Twenty four year old Adam Rogers was out enjoying a drink with his friends in Blackburn in early July 2009. Not an unusual activity for a much liked and sociable person like Adam. The University of Cumbria sports graduate was a very popular person. He was the part-time coach of the Padiham Ladies’ football team. He loved working with other people in the community. The night took a tragic turn for the worse when Adam intervened to stop a scuffle outside of a pub in Northgate, Blackburn. A single punch thrown by a drunken sixteen year old led to Adam cracking his head on the pavement. He was diagnosed as brain stem dead in the Royal Blackburn Hospital in the early hours of 5th July 2009.

Adam’s parents, Pat and Dave Rogers, were at his bedside when Adam was declared dead. They agreed to support Adam’s living wish to be an organ donor. Adam believed it was the most natural thing in the world to help other people in need. That is why he signed up to be an organ donor on his driving licence. Pat and Dave had no hesitation in saying “yes” to the request for donation because it was so in keeping with Adam’s caring nature. Even in these most cruel circumstances the Rogers family wanted something compassionate and valuable to evolve from Adam’s death.

Pat has used her teaching experience to give Adam’s tragic death a positive outcome. With her husband and brother, Pat has set up a charity called ‘Every Action Has Consequences'. Designed to help young people think carefully about the consequences of their behaviour, the Rogers are determined to create a lasting legacy in memory of Adam’s untimely death. The range of challenges they have set for themselves is staggering.

They have created an educational pack designed to help teachers in the 16 to 18 years age range discuss issues relating to public responsibility. Their challenge goes beyond this to help young offenders consider the consequences of their actions and help guide them to full social rehabilitation. The family’s experience with the justice system following Adam’s death has drawn them into the review of restorative justice working with other families who have had to cope with tragic, unexpected death.

Pat and Dave have created a website to promote their campaign in Adam’s memory. I would encourage any reader of this website to visit their site at www.eahconsequences.com – any college or teacher involved in personal & social education in the post-16 sector ought to contact Mr and Mrs Rogers - you can ring Pat Rogers on 07868 747028 or go to the following website:[The 'Every Action Has Consequences' web link]

The learning materials in the educational pack and their website should be made available to all students if the goal of your college is to encourage caring and responsible behaviour with young people. (All the contact details can be found on their website.) To give your financial support please visit the following web link: [The 'Just Giving' web link]

Further information can be found in the archive stories of the Lancashire Telegraph which has given its full backing to the ‘Every Action Has Consequences’ campaign. The Lancashire Telegraph crime journalist, Sam Chadderton, has covered all aspects of Adam’s tragic story – visit the following web link to read his articles: [The Lancashire Telegraph web link for articles related to Adam]

Adam’s death is so very sad. It was a totally meaningless and unnecessary act of violence that caused his death. Yet some comfort for his family comes from the fact that he helped to save the lives of five people. His memory will live on in so many ways. Doctors and nurses were able to help patients desperately in need of a heart, kidney & pancreas, liver and lungs because of the benevolence of the Rogers family.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr & Mrs Rogers in allowing me to share their family’s experience with this website. I have nothing but admiration for what they are trying to achieve - please support them in whatever way you can.