'Simply the best' professor dies 58 years after horror rugby injury left him disabled

John Mackness was just 20 when he broke his neck while playing rugby
John Mackness was just 20 when he broke his neck while playing rugby -Credit:Lancaster University


An inspirational university professor who refused to let his disability get in his way died 58 years after breaking his neck while playing rugby.

John Mackness was 20 when he suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in 1966 while playing rugby. Despite being left disabled by the injury John "lived life to the full" with colleagues at Lancaster University describing him as a "stoic" person who "refused to give up or give in to obstacles".

However, John's limited mobility put him at increased risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, when food, fluid or saliva is inhaled, and he was admitted to the Royal Lancaster Hospital with the condition earlier this year. He died, aged 78, on May 13.

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John, who was retired, lived with his wife Jenny in Carnforth. An inquest held last week at Preston Coroner's Court heard that the cause of John's death was sepsis caused by aspiration pneumonia which was caused by the traumatic spinal cord injury.

Area Coroner Kate Bisset said: "John Robert Mackness died on the 13th May 2024 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary as a result of aspiration pneumonia.

"Mr Mackness suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury in 1966 whilst playing rugby. This led to an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia due to limiting his mobility over time."

Lancaster University, where Leicester-born John worked for many years, opened a book of condolence following his death. Former colleagues and students have paid tribute to the "excellent teacher".

Teresa Aldren posted: "A true inspirational guy! He was kind, caring, sympathetic and funny. Never sought or wanted any help."

Former colleague Mike Pidd said: "He was an amazing man, determined to live as normal a life as possible after his rugby injury. He was never mournful, always cheerful, and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone.

"He was also a good teacher, had lots of ideas and was an excellent colleague. I remember travelling to Lisbon with him, where his Portuguese was very useful.

"On one occasion we went across the river to Caparica. Walking along the cobble street, he slipped and fell. We rushed to help him up, but he was determined to get up unaided, which he did.

"He didn’t look for sympathy, simply saying, with a smile, 'I fall over from time to time!'."

Sharon Turnbull wrote: "He was an inspirational colleague and friend. His contribution to Lancaster University Management School was immense!

"What a stoic person he was too. He never let his disability get in his way. He would always attempt to do more than anyone else, refusing to give up or give in to obstacles.

"John had a wonderful blend of scholarliness and common sense, a remarkable love of life and warmth. He will be sadly missed, and I am thinking of Jenny and his family, but our many memories of his courage, wit, and joy of life live on."