Roger Fennemore MBE

Photo Credit: SportsAid Eastern

Everyone at SportsAid is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Roger Fennemore MBE, founder of SportsAid Eastern Milton Keynes and a man whose vision helped transform support for emerging sporting talent across the East of England.

For more than 25 years, Roger’s passion for sport, belief in opportunity and extraordinary dedication to volunteering made a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of young athletes. 

He understood that early support can be life-changing, often arriving long before medals, sponsorships or public recognition, and he devoted himself to ensuring talented athletes had the backing they needed to pursue their dreams.

In 2001, together with his wife Sally, Roger founded the Milton Keynes Sporting Lunch Club and selected SportsAid as its chosen charity. What began as a single event soon grew into a network of Sporting Lunch Clubs across the region. 

Under Roger’s leadership, these events raised more than £2.5 million to support young athletes at the very start of their sporting journeys.

His integrity, determination and ability to bring people together helped build the foundations of SportsAid Eastern.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport, Roger was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2015.

Above all, Roger created connection, belief and community. He inspired countless individuals to give their time, energy and expertise in support of young people across our region, shaping a legacy that will be felt for generations to come

On behalf of everyone at SportsAid, our thoughts are with Roger’s wife Sally, his family, friends and all who were fortunate to work alongside him, and we offer our deepest condolences at this sad time.

Tim Lawler MBE, SportsAid chief executive said,

"This is sad news and does feel like the end of an amazing era with Roger as the driving force for the charity in the Eastern region, but there are things to feel positive about.

"He has created a wonderful, loyal community in the region supporting the SportsAid cause and he did so in such a lovely, fun and creative way that we'll smile and feel good about it when we think of him. Thank you Roger."