Alistair Johnson (1980-2008)

The old saying is that tragedies come in threes. Fylde club stalwarts Jack Conchie, Peter Makin & John Pemberton have all died within the space of ten days. Sad although the passing of these splendid men is, they at least exceeded their three score years and ten.

For a real tragedy look no further than the death on 1st December 2008 of 28 year old Alistair Johnson. On a fine day in September 2004 during a National Three (North) match between Tynedale and Fylde at the Woodlands, talented tighthead prop Ali engaged with the rest of the 16 forwards in a scrummage 30m out from the Fylde line, centre field. Seconds later the young Northumbrian farmer was lying prone on the ground with what was obvious to all players and spectators present a serious injury. His brother Keith, also a farmer, who was packing down in the 2nd row behind Ali, was visibly distraught as he witnessed his brother's fate.

The Club Doctor was immediately called and Fylde's young physiotherapist Angela Daniel took a leading and acknowledged role in stabilising Ali. An ambulance soon arrived but because of the seriousness of the injury it was felt that a road journey wasn't wise. The North West Ambulance Service helicopter was summoned and, eventually, took Alistair to a specialist trauma centre.

In due course, Ali who was paralysed from the neck down was moved back to the North East for a seven month period of care at the St James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough and finally back home to what was by then the specially adapted farmhouse of his parents at  Haltwhistle in the Northumbrian hills. It was during the months at St James Cook that he was told that he wouldn't walk again.

Ali didn't take such pessimistic diagnoses at face value. He was determined to do all he could to regain movement in his limbs and set about in the most positive of ways to start the road to recovery. There were many ups and downs that followed but Ali never lost his sense of humour or his courage to battle against his condition. 

Less than a year after the injury, Tynedale RUFC had set up a trust fund in his name to raise much needed money for his continuing care. Fylde held a number of fund raising events to do its small bit towards such a deserving cause and donated £4,100 to his trust fund and a similar amount for the North West Air Ambulance Service. Representatives of his family attended a 1st team game to receive a cheque made out to the Fund. These efforts were recognised and appreciated by Ali, his family and the Tynedale club. On a national level Ali's situation and heroic struggle was the subject of many press articles and even television features.

Representatives of Fylde, particularly Angela Daniel who became a good friend, visited Ali at his home during this period. But, sadly, there was to be no miracle cure.

So it was with shock and deep sadness that everyone at Fylde heard about Ali's sudden death today. We send our deepest condolences to Ali's loving family and friends. Those of us there at that fateful game over four years ago and others at the Woodlands who have followed his story since will be thinking of him in the days to come. He was a true hero and an example to all of us. 

Click here for the RFU's tribute to Ali.

Ali's funeral service will be at Haltwhistle Methodist Church, Westgate, Haltwhistle on Monday 8th December at 1.00pm followed by a cremation at West Road Crematorium, Newcastle at 2.45pm. Tynedale Rugby Club will be open for refreshments from 2.00pm - all welcome. No black ties, family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

It was Ali's wishes that for his final journey he should wear the Tynedale rugby shirt and that his ashes be scattered at Wolf Hills, his family farm, so that he can "keep an eye on things".

All National Clubs Association member clubs have been asked to observe a minute's silence in Ali's honour ahead of games on 6th December.