Ellis Robinson, who was left paralysed after an accident nine years ago, passed away at the age of 27 on November 28 – his friends and family have been left heartbroken
An “inspirational” young man has sadly died nearly a decade after he was left paralysed in a terrifying football accident.
Ellis Robinson passed away aged 27 on November 28. Nine years ago, in 2016, while playing five-a-side at a sports hall in his hometown of Oldham, Greater Manchester, he was left with a severe spinal cord injury when a fellow player fell on top of him as he was sat on the floor.
The football player, who was 17 at the time, underwent emergency surgery, spent weeks in hospital, and almost 18 months at a specialist rehabilitation centre in Southport. During his time at the centre, he received a visit from rapper Stormzy. Following the serious accident, Ellis required round-the-clock care.
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His family said Ellis had rebuilt his life before his shock death last month. He had launched his clothing range, called Spyne, in 2023 and had begun studying accountancy, the Manchester Evening News reported. His mum Lisa Robinson, 45, has now paid a heartbreaking tribute to her “incredible” boy who “touched the lives of so many.”
“He was the first son, the one and only brother to Oliver Jack, the first grandchild, the first great grandchild, the first nephew, the first cousin. And the incredible first uncle to his nephew, Cruz,” she said. “He was the first and number one everything. He was special from the moment he was born. He was such a huge character. Everyone he met, Ellis left a footprint in their heart. That’s the guy kind of guy he was.”
Before his accident, Ellis was an immensely talented young sportsman. He was part of Rochdale AFC’s academy setup and had trials for England Schoolboys. He played for a number of local teams including Avro FC, Failsworth Dynamos, Moston Valley, Oldham Town, Manchester County, Curzon Ashton and Ashton United.
He also played basketball, rugby and gymnastics amongst other sports and was a high achiever, both sportingly and academically, Lisa said. He attended The Park nursery, Lyndhurst Primary School and Failsworth School before starting at Oldham College studying sports.
“He was so talented. Whatever he turned his hand or foot to, sporting or otherwise, he smashed it,” Lisa said. “He knew his own mind and was very ambitious. The way his mind worked was incredible. He was a cheeky chap. He was so funny and had such a wicked sense of humour.
“He lived and breathed football. He had a motto that he got from his primary school teacher, ‘there’s no place for second place, we’re in it to win it.’ And he took that into everything he did. Everything he did, he gave a 100 million percent.”
Lisa said that following his accident there were moments where what had happened deeply affected him. She said: “For a guy of his ability, who had been through something like that, who wouldn’t suffer mentally? But if anyone ever went to him when they were upset, he would always give them guidance and would turn it around and make them feel better.”
Lisa said he would often go off on “adventures” including one time he was traced to Milton Keynes where he had travelled alone in his motorised wheelchair in a bid to try and watch the Formula 1 at Silverstone. He also went clubbing with friends, amongst other activities.
“He lived life to the maximum he could,” she said. “He was inspirational. Extremely inspirational. Whatever battles he had, he fought them and came through them.”
Lisa said her son’s “unexpected” death had been “heartbreaking” for all those who knew him. “We’re devastated,” she said. “We just feel so empty.” Friend Leighton Browne has also organised a balloon release, at 3pm on Saturday, December 13 on Limeside Park, where Ellis spent many hours playing football.
Tributes have flooded in for Ellis on social media. In a statement, Rochdale AFC said: “Rochdale Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former academy player, Ellis Robinson. Ellis suffered serious spinal and neck injuries in 2016, following a freak accident while playing the sport that he loved. One of his friends has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for the family. He is also taking part in a white-collar boxing match in his memory. Our thoughts are with Ellis’ family and friends at this sad time.”
Football club AFC Limeside held a minute’s silence in memory of Ellis ahead of a recent game. His funeral service is due to take place on Thursday, December 18 at Oldham Crematorium at 10am.
