The chief executive of Albion in the Community has died during a family holiday at the age of 43, the charity said today (Monday 20 June).
Gary Townsend collapsed and died after going for a run. He had only recently taken charge of the charitable arm of Brighton and Hove Albion, having joined three years ago.
Albion in the Community said that Mr Townsend “collapsed and died following an early morning run while on holiday with his partner, Hannah, in Spain earlier today”.
Martin Perry, chairman of Albion in the Community and executive director of the football club, said: “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Gary’s sudden and untimely passing.
“Gary has been with us since 2013, occupying numerous senior roles. Gary was a hard working, effective and extremely popular leader of our charity.
“In addition to his day-to-day work for AITC, Gary has raised many tens of thousands of pounds for our charity, not least in support of Jadey’s dream, a fundraising campaign to provide support for more disabled people to participate in sport.
“On behalf of the Albion in the Community’s trustees, Tony Bloom, the football club’s chairman, its board and all of our staff, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Gary’s partner, his family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time for them.”
Mr Townsend was appointed interim chief executive of Albion in the Community on Tuesday 1 March.
The charity said: “His appointment as chief executive was confirmed on Thursday 9 June after a very successful interim period in charge of the charity’s day-to-day operations.”
