ALI JOHNSONAlistair Johnson, from Northumberland, was a rugby union enthusiast whose injury in a game four years ago did not dampen his love of the sport.Ali was left paralysed when his spine was injured by a collapsing scrum in an amateur match for Tynedale RFC.But the 28-year-old farmer from Haltwhistle continued to follow Newcastle Falcons and England around the country, as well as keeping in close contact with his old club.The Rugby Football Union, which had been providing care for Ali since his injury, said he died on 1 December, 2008, after suffering a stroke.RFU president Brian Williams paid tribute to him, saying: “My thoughts and those of all the Rugby Union fraternity at this sad time are with his family. Ali was obviously a very special lad who has shown immense courage in dealing with his problems."Throughout his difficulties, he never lost his love of rugby and made trips to Twickenham and Kingston Park to watch England and the Falcons, as well as to Tynedale, where he remained in close touch with his many friends and former team-mates."The amount of support he received from Tynedale RFC in particular was immense and a testament to the calibre of the lad and the affection with which he was held at the club."I know how much his friends within the game and outside it in the North East did to help him in difficult circumstances and my sympathies go out to them at a time when they will be deeply saddened by Ali's tragic passing."Tynedale RFC said: “The club is stunned and saddened to learn that Ali has died. At this terribly sad time all our thoughts and prayers are with Ali and his family.”
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