The Stroud community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Amelie Zeal, a gifted young footballer and vibrant teenager whose life was tragically cut short in July 2025. Just 15 years old, Amelie passed away following a courageous fight against brain stem cancer, leaving behind a legacy defined by strength, determination, and an unwavering passion for the game she loved.

A Courageous Battle

Amelie, the cherished elder daughter of Tara and Matt, was diagnosed in March 2025 with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of brain stem cancer that affects only 20 to 30 children in the UK each year. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, the cancer advanced rapidly. In July, just four months after her diagnosis, Amelie passed peacefully at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester, surrounded by her loving family.

Football at the Heart of Her Life

A proud and dedicated member of Rodborough Youth FC, Amelie began in the under-16s before moving into the U18s squad, where her energy, determination, and skill shone brightly. Football was more than a sport to her—it was a source of joy, teamwork, and community. Coming from a footballing family, with her younger sister Sophia also playing, Amelie championed equal opportunities for girls in the sport.

Her club paid tribute, stating:
“Amelie loved playing football and brought so much joy to the team. She was admired by her coaches, teammates, and parents alike. Today we honour and remember her life, the strength and inspiration she gave, and take a moment to reflect on her passion and bravery to live life to the full.”

Ahead of matches last weekend, Rodborough Youth FC held a minute’s silence in her memory, a heartfelt gesture to commemorate her spirit and contribution.

A Spirit Beyond the Pitch

Although football was at the centre of her world, Amelie’s talents and adventurous spirit extended far beyond the pitch. She was a keen surfer, a competitive rower, a skateboarder, and a talented guitarist and singer. She found joy in long walks with her family, and her curiosity and drive carried through every part of her life.

Her parents described her with deep affection:
“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. We are devastated by her loss and by how quickly she was taken from us.”

At Rodborough School and later at Sir William Romney’s School, Amelie was remembered as a bright, kind, and uplifting presence who left a mark on everyone who knew her.

Honouring Her Memory – Walking for Amelie

In the weeks following her passing, Amelie’s parents and sister Sophia embarked on an extraordinary tribute to her life and spirit. With their dog Orla by their side and carrying a lock of Amelie’s hair, they began a 1,200-mile journey on foot 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,” her mother Tara explained.

The family’s journey also serves as a fundraiser for two causes close to their hearts:

• Abbie’s Army, a UK-based charity funding pioneering research into DMG, working towards a cure.

• Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provided Amelie and her family with compassionate care during her final weeks.

A Lasting Legacy

Though her life was heartbreakingly short, Amelie’s memory continues to inspire strength, compassion, and community action. Her story has brought people together—not only within her football family but across wider communities touched by her courage.

As her family continues their journey across Britain, support is pouring in from people moved by Amelie’s life, her story, and the hope that greater awareness and research may one day spare other families from such devastating loss.

Her parents captured her enduring spirit in their words:
“Amelie lived her life with joy, courage, and adventure. That is how we will continue to remember her.”