Mike Bowden, a key figure in Swindon’s charity work, has died after an illness. He co founded SHAP and aided numerous local causes.
SHAP created a hub for donations and aided refugees coming to the UK. The group sent tons of aid abroad, including to war zones. SHAP also held events for awareness and raised money.
Sadly, Mike Bowden passed away after a long illness. A SHAP spokesperson shared the news, sending thoughts to his family and encouraging everyone to continue his work.
Mike led the conversion of a bus into a Children’s Story Bus, bringing fun to Ukrainian kids last year. In 2023, his team made another bus into a mobile hospital.
Before the war, Mike helped Phoenix Enterprises as treasurer and a trustee. The group aids vulnerable adults, offering work and mental health support. Over 90 people benefit from this charity.
Mike often highlighted people’s problems. One man faced a £2,000 debt unfairly, another was refused a COVID-19 vaccine, and a young man got endless marketing calls. Mike worked to make things fairer.
Mike chaired Friends of Lydiard Park and stopped the council from selling it off. This was a historic building and park trust. He said he was very committed to Lydiard, as it meant so much to the town.
Mike worked as a solicitor for years after studying law in Nottingham. He moved from Epping. His dad was a carpenter, and his mom was a clerk. He got involved in local life quickly.
He directed Swindon Town FC too. Speedway was his big passion, and he co-owned the Swindon Robins team. He met Rachel Reeves in 2023 and shared SHAP’s bus project plans with her.