Birmingham business community in shock as LoveBrum ambassador takes his own life

The Birmingham business community has reacted with shock and sadness after a well-known West Midlands business figure and fundraiser has taken his own life.

Details emerged over the weekend that Owen Long, the LoveBrum ambassador and head of partnerships at sunglasses brand, BadHero, had died by suicide.

Owen Long was heavily involved with LoveBrum, the umbrella group set up by leading figures in the city’s business community aimed at helping local charities and initiatives.

Tim Andrews, chairman and co-founder of LoveBrum, said: “Owen was one of the most selfless, caring, loving and humorous souls. He was an avid supporter and ambassador of LoveBrum from the very start giving up hours and hours voluntarily to help others. He lit up every room that he walked into and leaves Birmingham a darker place but with a legacy that we will celebrate. Birmingham has lost a true gent.”

Andrews co-founder of LoveBrum, PJ Ellis, added: “Owen did so many things for others. One gesture that will stay with me was when he bought 50 greeting cards, asked people to send him messages of love, which he then wrote on each of those cards, and delivered them to a local nursing home on Valentine’s Day. He had a very big heart and I’ll miss him terribly.”

Andrews told TheBusinessDesk.com that LoveBrum will be commemorating the life of Owen Long at a special event over the coming weeks.