Tributes to brave rugby player Ali
Dec 3 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
:: To leave your tributes to Ali Johnson click here
THE CHAIRMAN of Newcastle Falcons yesterday paid tribute to former academy player Ali Johnson, who died on Monday following a stroke.
Ex-Tynedale prop Ali, who was 28, had represented the Falcons academy, and in recent seasons had attended matches at Kingston Park while retaining strong links with members of the squad.
Ali was paralysed after suffering a broken neck playing rugby for Tynedale in 2004, and inspired many through the manner in which he adapted to life with a dislocated vertebrae and damaged spinal cord.
Falcons chairman Dave Thompson said: “Ali was an exceptionally brave man who loved his rugby, and everyone at Newcastle Falcons is saddened to learn of his passing. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Tributes from people affiliated with Tynedale RFC continued to pour in.
John Clark, who ran Tynedale Colts – the club’s youth team – while Ali was captain, said his attitude was impeccable.
“He was always a very promising rugby player but also a great leader,” he said.
“He showed leadership after his accident. He was a tremendous example and quite a breath of fresh air. He was a real trooper.”
Haltwhistle Town Council chairman Alan Sharp said: “He lived life to the full despite his awful accident.
“He was a remarkable young lad. It will be a loss to the area. He has become something of a celebrity because his plight touched many people.
“Despite his injuries he remained upbeat and got involved in as many things as he could.”
Ali, from Coanwood, near Haltwhistle, died on Monday afternoon with his family at his bedside, at Hexham General Hospital.
After he was paralysed four years ago, a fund was set up in his name to raise funds for his rehabilitation. Wristbands were sold by the thousand and events across the region took the fund total to £268,000.
:: To leave your tributes to Ali Johnson click here
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