Plane DVT fear after bowler dies

Research has linked long-haul flying to DVT

An international tenpin bowler collapsed and died from a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after flying to Australia for a competition.

Lez Rogers, 38, from Barry, south Wales, arrived in Melbourne with his wife the day before he died.

Doctors confirmed Mr Rogers' death was caused by a blood clot.

DVTs have been dubbed "economy class syndrome" because of associations with cramped conditions in economy seats on many long-haul flights.

His wife Kay, 39, said: "The doctors told me the DVT could have been from the long flight the night before - but it will be three months before we get the full results.

"I'm just glad I was with him, and not on the other side of the world.

He was a gentle giant, and was very loving. He was like my teddy bear Kay Rogers, wife

"We were childhood sweethearts and were inseparable, like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle."

The couple, who have one child, had celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary days before making the journey to Australia after Mr Rogers was selected to make his debut for the Welsh tenpin bowling team.

Mrs Rogers said: "The day he died we had been to the bowling centre to practice for the start of the tournament. That evening we decided to go out for a meal.

"We were making a reservation when he fell to the floor beside me.

"Paramedics tried shocking his heart three times. None of us could believe what was happening. It's like a bad dream."

'Tragic situation'

Mr Rogers had tried to get into the Wales team for eight years, and succeeded after becoming Welsh champion.

"When we landed in Melbourne, he said: 'I can't believe we've finally come.'

"He was totally chuffed. It meant everything to him," Mrs Rogers said.

I know how proud he was to have been selected to play for his country Ali Robinson, Tenpin Bowling Association Wales

"It was such a shock when he collapsed the next day. It's just a tragic situation - it's not something you can expect at such a young age.

"He was a gentle giant, and was very loving. He was like my teddy bear."

Ali Robinson, secretary of the Tenpin Bowling Association of Wales, called Mr Rogers a "well-loved bowler" who worked tirelessly.

He said: "The Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling event in Australia was Lez's first full international and I know how proud he was to have been selected to play for his country.

"It has been an honour to bowl and work with Lez. His death will leave a huge gap in the bowling community."

It is estimated between 8,000 - 9,000 British airline travellers develop DVT each year, with the condition claiming the lives of 500 - 1,000 passengers.