Susie Wilson-Rowe, a 38-year-old former England and Kent cricketer who played county cricket for Sussex, has recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, known as Exon 20, has rapidly metastasized. It has since spread to her spine and lymph nodes. If true, this diagnosis will constitute a difficult chapter for Wilson-Rowe, who has done so much for women’s cricket in England to help grow the sport.
Born in London, Wilson-Rowe had a distinguished domestic cricket career, winning five women’s County Championship titles between 2006 and 2012. In 2011, she claimed victory in the National Women’s T20 competition and was part of the Kent side that triumphed in the T20 South East Group and Women’s London Championship in 2020. She stepped away from the game for the 2015 season to focus on ice hockey. Two seasons ago, she made the move back to Kent to rediscover her love for the game of cricket.
In reaction to her diagnosis Kent County Cricket Club have started an emergency fundraising appeal. This campaign is intended to supplement Wilson-Rowe’s long-term care and treatment. We are pleased to announce that we will be raising additional funds from these participants to donate to the Exon 20 Group. This nonprofit is focused on researching treatments for a rare form of lung cancer.
Wilson-Rowe is drawing on her experience to encourage others to be more aware of their health. She encouraged all of us to listen to our bodies. If something doesn’t seem right, she pushes for medical evaluation, as early detection can make all the difference.
“I encourage others to listen to their bodies and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right as early detection can make all the difference.” – Susie Wilson-Rowe
Kent County Cricket Club are big fans of Wilson-Rowe. As they put it, “Susie has contributed so much to the game of cricket as a player, coach, mentor and friend. She inspires so many with her quiet strength, selfless disposition and tireless work ethic. This quote highlights the kind of influence Wilson-Rowe has had on her teammates and on the overall cricket community.
Wilson-Rowe’s fight against cancer highlights the difficult issues that athletes sometimes encounter outside of sports. It also profiles the amazing resilience that athletes are able to have in spades. While she travels this harrowing path, Jo’s struggles with ovarian cancer will speak to anyone who has experienced a serious health crisis.
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