THE North-East rugby community came together yesterday to pay tribute to the inspirational Ali Johnson, who died on Monday following a stroke.

Johnson, a farmer from Coanwood, near Haltwhistle, was paralysed when he broke his neck while representing Tynedale in a match against Fylde in 2004.

His brave recovery from a dislocated veterbra and damaged spinal cord won the hearts of the region, and a fund to aid his rehabilitation received more than £268,000 in donations.

The 28-year-old spent seven months in hospital before returning to his family home, but passed away on Monday with members of his family at his bedside after suffering a stroke last week.

Rugby Football Union president Brian Williams said: “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 (Newcastle) 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.

“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.”

Johnson represented Newcastle Falcons’ Academy at prop, and retained strong links with members of the club’s first-team squad.

Falcons chairman Dave Thompson said: “Ali was an exceptionally brave man who loved his rugby, and everyone at Newcastle is saddened to learn of his passing.”

Since suffering his injury four years ago, Johnson had spent much of his time battling to get planning permission for a specially-designed bungalow close to his parents’ home. That permission was granted by Tynedale Council last November.

Douglas Hamilton, chief executive of Tynedale Rugby Club, said: “It’s so sad because it’s come after he had been in such good form and was building his bungalow.

He was really looking forward.

“We are really depressed and our thoughts are with the family at the present time.”