Rodborough Youth FC and the wider Stroud community are mourning the loss of Amelie Zeal, a talented young footballer whose life was tragically cut short after a brave battle with brain stem cancer. Amelie passed away in July 2025, aged just 15, leaving behind a legacy of strength, determination, and love for the game she adored.
Amelie Zeal Obituary news
Amelie, the elder daughter of Tara and Matt, was first diagnosed in March 2025 with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive brain stem cancer that affects just 20 to 30 children in the UK each year. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, the cancer advanced rapidly. Just four months later, Amelie died peacefully at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester, surrounded by her family.
A passionate player and advocate
Amelie was a dedicated member of Rodborough Youth FC’s under-16s team, later moving into the U18s, where she was known for her energy, positivity, and skill on the pitch. She came from a footballing family, with her sister also playing for the club, and she was a strong advocate for girls’ equal access in football.
“Amelie loved playing football and brought so much joy to the team. She was admired by her coaches, teammates, and parents alike,” Rodborough Youth FC said in tribute. “Today we honour and remember her life, the strength and inspiration she gave, and take a moment to think about her passion and bravery to live life to the full.”
Before matches last weekend, the club held a minute’s silence in her memory. GiveWheel
A life lived to the fullest
Though football was one of her greatest passions, Amelie’s talents stretched far beyond the pitch. She was a keen surfer, competitive rower, skateboarder, guitarist, and singer. She loved long walks with her family, and her adventurous spirit carried through in everything she did.
“Amelie was amazing. She was fun and full of life. She showed us what true courage looks like; meeting every challenge with fierce determination, sweet compassion, and that spark that made her Amelie,” her parents said. “We are devastated by her loss and by how quickly she was taken from us.”
Amelie attended Rodborough School and later Sir William Romney’s School, where she was known as a bright, kind, and vibrant presence.
Walking for Amelie
In the weeks after her passing, Amelie’s parents and younger sister Sophia set out on an extraordinary journey to honour her memory. Carrying a lock of Amelie’s hair and accompanied by their dog Orla, they began a 1,200-mile trek from John O’Groats to Land’s End, a challenge they named For Amelie.
“We miss Amelie so much but we’re remembering her by doing something she would have loved—stepping out, starting to walk, pushing ourselves beyond what we think is possible,” said Tara.
The family is raising funds for two charities close to their hearts:
Abbie’s Army, a UK charity funding pioneering medical research into DMG, with the goal of one day finding a cure.
Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provided compassionate end-of-life care for Amelie and ongoing support for her family.
Carrying her legacy forward
While her life was heartbreakingly short, Amelie’s courage, determination, and love of sport have left a lasting mark on those who knew her. She will be remembered not only as a gifted athlete but also as a young woman who inspired others with her spirit, kindness, and advocacy for equality in football.
As her family continue their walk across Britain, communities along the way are rallying to support them and to help ensure Amelie’s story sparks greater awareness, research, and compassion for children facing devastating illnesses.
“Amelie lived her life with joy, courage, and adventure,” her parents said. “That is how we will continue to remember her.”
