A MUCH-LOVED man with the ‘biggest heart’ who died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) will be remembered at family fun day in Rugby this weekend.
Goodie Fest 2026 will be hosted at The Bull Inn in Clifton on Saturday (July 25) in memory of 28-year-old Ryan Goodman, who died unexpectedly in July 2024.
After raising an incredible £6,100 at the inaugural event last year, Ryan’s parents Jackie and Dave Goodman, sister Charlotte Templeman and friends Kieron Parry and Abbi Birtles are now preparing to host their second annual fundraiser to once again raise money for Epilepsy Society and SUDEP Action, with the hopes of preventing another family ‘experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing someone they love’.
The family fun day is open to all, and will feature five bands, a DJ, tombola and a raffle, with a three-night barge trip, a Ninja Creami and an Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet up for grabs.
Ryan was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2014, after experiencing nearly 10 seizures. He was prescribed preventative medication for epilepsy, but Ryan never let his condition hold him back.
In 2019, Ryan moved to Australia to begin the next chapter of his life, embracing every opportunity with his usual ‘enthusiasm, determination and love of adventure’.
Ryan died suddenly on a return trip home visiting his family.
Jackie said: “He was a wonderful son with the biggest heart – happy, funny, kind and a real wind-up merchant who loved making people laugh.
“He always had time for others and was an amazing brother, a loving partner, a much-loved grandson, nephew and uncle, and a loyal friend to so many. He brought laughter wherever he went, and his cheeky smile, caring nature and infectious sense of humour are deeply missed every single day.
“When Ryan died, it felt as though our world had stopped. Life changed forever, and it will never be the same. But we know Ryan would never have wanted us to stop living or stop finding joy where we can. Holding onto that thought has helped us find the strength to keep going.”
Not long after Ryan’s death, his friends approached Jackie and Dave and asked if they could do something in his memory – and Goodie Fest was born.
Jackie added: “Goodie Fest is our way of keeping Ryan’s memory alive while raising awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP. Every conversation started, every story shared and every pound raised helps shine a light on a condition that far too many people know too little about.”
Dave said: “Despite our heartbreak, we feel incredibly fortunate to have had 28 wonderful years with Ryan. Watching him grow into the caring, funny and kind man he became was the greatest privilege of our lives. We only wish we could have had so many more.
“Ryan will always be part of our family. He is in every story we tell, every memory we share and every smile that his name still brings. He will never be forgotten.
“If, through Ryan’s story, we can help just one person, encourage one family to ask questions or raise awareness that could save a life, then everything we do is worthwhile.
“Ryan will always be at the heart of Goodie Fest, and through it, his kindness, laughter and spirit continue to make a difference.”
The Epilepsy Society is the largest medical charity in the field of epilepsy in the United Kingdom, providing services for people with epilepsy for over 100 years.
SUDEP Action is a UK-based charity dedicated to preventing epilepsy-related deaths, including Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). They specialise in providing bereavement support, advocating for families through inquests and driving research to reduce epilepsy risks.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/5a8bbhcv to make a donation.
