Tributes paid to former Rochdale academy player Ellis Robinson following his death aged 22

Tuesday, 2 December 2025 19:01

By David Murphy

Former Rochdale AFC academy player Ellis Robinson has died, nine years after suffering a life-changing spinal injury while playing football.

Robinson was 22 years old. He was left paralysed from the neck down following a freak accident in 2016 at the age of 13. A GoFundMe page has now been set up to help his family cover the cost of funeral arrangements, with local supporters and friends already raising nearly £1,000 in his memory.

Ellis, described by loved ones as “the best son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, great grandson and cousin anybody could ever want”, died after years of complex health problems linked to the injury. His family and friends said he “fought a fight like a Viking”, with one tribute saying he was always smiling and loved setting off on adventures without telling anyone where he was going.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of support online and from Rochdale AFC, where he spent time in the youth set-up. In a statement, the club said: “Rochdale Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former academy player, Ellis Robinson. Our thoughts are with Ellis' family and friends at this sad time.”

Friend and fundraiser Ryley Shaw is set to take part in a white-collar boxing match in Ellis’ honour. Ryley, who described Ellis as “a true legend”, launched the GoFundMe campaign to support the family. “He touched so many of us,” he said. “He’s been poorly a lot over the years and more so recently. All donations I raise in Ellis’s memory will help towards his send off.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, £975 had been raised towards a £1,100 goal, with donations continuing to come in. One anonymous donor contributed £200, while dozens of others left messages of support on the campaign page.

Ellis suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2016 while playing the game he loved. He lived with high-level paralysis for the rest of his life, requiring around-the-clock care. His friends say he never gave up, remaining positive despite his condition and bringing joy to those around him.