Ellis Robinson was left with a severe spinal cord injury after a tragic accident in 2016 during a five-a-side match in Oldham – and his heartbroken family have now paid tribute to the ‘inspirational’ 27-year-old
Ellis Robinson passed away on Friday, November 28, aged 27(Image: MEN)
An “inspirational” young man has tragically passed away nearly a decade after being left paralyzed in a devastating soccer accident.
Ellis Robinson died 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 suffered a severe spinal cord injury when a fellow player fell on top of him as he was sitting on the floor.
The footballer, who was 17 at the time, underwent emergency surgery, spent weeks in hospital, and almost 18 months at a specialist rehabilitation center in Southport. During his time at the center, 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 shocking death last month. He had launched his clothing range, called Spyne, in 2023 and had begun studying accountancy, the Manchester Evening News reported, reports the Mirror.
His mom 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.”
Prior to his accident, Ellis was an exceptionally gifted young athlete. He was involved with a football club’s academy program and had tryouts for England Schoolboys.(Image: MEN)
Prior to his accident, Ellis was an exceptionally gifted young athlete.
He was involved with Rochdale AFC’s academy program and had tryouts for England Schoolboys. He competed for numerous local clubs including Avro FC, Failsworth Dynamos, Moston Valley, Oldham Town, Manchester County, Curzon Ashton and Ashton United.
He also participated in basketball, rugby and gymnastics among other sports and excelled both athletically and scholastically, Lisa explained. He attended The Park nursery, Lyndhurst Primary School and Failsworth School before enrolling at Oldham College to study 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 humor.
Lisa revealed that after his accident there were instances where the incident profoundly impacted him.(Image: MEN)
“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 revealed that after his accident there were instances where the incident profoundly impacted him. She explained: “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 revealed he would frequently embark on spontaneous “adventures” including one memorable occasion when he was tracked down to Milton Keynes after traveling solo in his motorized wheelchair, determined to catch the Formula 1 action at Silverstone.
He also enjoyed nights out clubbing with friends, among other pursuits.
“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.”
Family left devastated
Lisa described her son’s “unexpected” passing as “heartbreaking” for everyone who knew him. “We’re devastated,” she said. “We just feel so empty.”
Friend Leighton Browne has organized a balloon release for 3pm on Saturday, December 13 at Limeside Park, where Ellis spent countless hours playing soccer.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for Ellis. Rochdale AFC released a statement saying: “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.”
One of his friends has established a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for the family. He is also participating in a white-collar boxing match in his memory.(Image: MEN)
One of his friends has established a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for the family. He is also participating in a white-collar boxing match in his memory.
“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.”
Soccer club AFC Limeside observed a minute’s silence in memory of Ellis before a recent game. His funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, December 18 at Oldham Crematorium at 10am.