Ten years ago today , 6 people were given a gift for a better life . One schoolboy , our son Benjamin , my BB .. he was their gift . Sleep tight wee son . Remembered with love. Always.
So I went to the playing fields as I always do on this day. But today there’s a match being played. Suddenly it’s 2011. I search amongst the tangled bodies of navy & burgundy,your face. Hoping in vain to turn back time ..Sleep tight my BB
Could have been his 25th birthday today. Should have been his 25th birthday today.
Remember that Benjamin lived is loved beyond measure and sorely missed. Forever Fourteen. ❤️💔❤️
9yrs ago today , 80 mins changed our lives. A typical Sat morning plunged into a living hell, hearts torn apart. The pieces haphazardly stitched together ,a cherished piece forever missing. This wasn’t part of my children’s future. We love you Benjamin.
11yrs ago to the day our Loving, Vibrant, Awesome son Benjamin played a Schoolboy game of Rugby.
Tragically it would be his last.
Could I ask you to remember him and post
“If In Doubt, Sit Them Out in memory of Benjamin Robinson”
Help shine a light on our darkest day. 🙏
Awesome loving vibrant.
Your first shoes your last shoes. Your first breath your last breath.Sleep tight my BB safe in the knowledge you are loved & missed every second of every day.
13yrs & 2 days since I last heard you laugh , give me a thumbs up..Sleep tight my wee son. Grief doesn’t just show up for an anniversary, a birthday, a milestone. Grief is here daily. To those that have supported us over the years it means the world. 🙏🏼 ❤️
Sleep tight my BB. My no.12. Completely at rest. You are loved you are missed every second of every day.
Laid to rest twice . A year apart. No parent should have to write to get part of their child back . The gentleman’s game is no gent. 💔
Benjamin Forever Fourteen. He is special and we think extraordinary simply because he is our child. A vibrant awesome loving soul. Loves - his family , his friends, his food, his XBox , FIFA , Man Utd, music. After school curricular activities- school rugby.
A time when you thought as a Mum , you could fix everything, make things better. Make your young son into a 🎄 for the school play ✅ & oh how he shone & danced that day. Costumes made by Granny. I cried that day too. My BB ❤️ sleep tight at Christmas.
@peterrobinson86
Could have been his 26th should have been his 26th.
Forever 14 forever loved. Your smile will never grow old. With love on your birthday BB x
Follow the protocols or you just might follow a funeral cortège.
Benjamin, no one special just our son. A 14 yr old playing school rugby on a Saturday morning just starting out in life. Special only because he is ours ❤️sleep tight my BB you shall not be forgotten.
We don’t test Kids for Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury on a Pitch. ❌
We just remove them ✅
We don’t use Maddock’s questions as a filter to see if a kid can play on or not ❌
We just remove them ✅
Follow the protocols not the culture 👍💯
On a patch of grass , where once the very last game(s) were played, ice cream ate ,Harry the donkey brayed & tears were shed. One day I shall stop this but just not yet. Sleep tight my baby bear . Know that you are loved. 1 day less 1 day closer
@KyranBracken
@premrugby
@EnglandRugby
@WorldRugby
There was a death , you may have missed it .. he wasn’t special , although to his family he is extraordinary, loved & missed.
Benjamin Peter Robinson 14yrs old. No freak accident nothing rare . Just good old school management of concussion.
Benjamin Peter Robinson.
14years old
Injured 29/01/2011
Died 31/01/2011
Organ Donor- 5 recipients
2 funerals
2 inquests
Heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported Benjamin’s family through these difficult times.
Thank you for remembering Benjamin.
No HIA in Schools Rugby
Joined Twitter 8 years ago with the goal to raise awareness of Concussion/Brain Injury in Sport.
In memory of Benjamin Peter Robinson.
We will always remember he lived.
“If In Doubt, Sit Them Out”
When the person you least expect to see hurtles you back into the abyss , the sights & sounds of that day come raining down like shards of glass. I m so sorry my son so very sorry. I love you ❤️💔❤️
@AndyGoode10
1.I wasn’t chasing the ambulance I was in the ambulance with my 14yr old son. His brain injuries likened to that of someone involved in a car crash all because of a school game of rugby. 2. Concussions happen how they are managed is the danger.
He is our son. We are his voice. Together we all play our part in raising awareness. Together we build Benjamins scrapbook of memories. Forever thankful to those that make these moments happen.
Last
@rugbyworldcup
thanks to some amazing people we managed to get “Bens Banner” over to Japan to help
@WorldRugby
raise awareness.
As a family it was a great experience to feel the warmth and love from those he met.
Now let’s get him to
#RWC2023
in France.
Free banner included
Benjamin is our world. Others have taken him into their worlds & have gone above & beyond to spread the if in doubt sit them out. My son is someone’s hero & some heroes wear kilts. Play it forward. 🙏🏼
Finally progress. Thank you to those that saw a family behind the headline. Benjamin is more than just a stat. A much loved son & brother
@AndyBullatGNM
@PlantedSam
@DawnAstle9
@ProgressiveRug
As soon as you stick your head above the parapet you become a target.
Everyone happy to ignore the warnings until reality comes knocking at their door.
We’ve had
“what was wrong with your boy then”
Sorry he was a perfectly healthy boy allowed to play on with a Brain Injury.
To us as a family . it’s more than just a banner. It’s part of a scrapbook. Keeping Benjamin’s memory in the here & now & helping spread awareness. Kindness of strangers. Thank you !
Benjamin, my only son.
In life people will say what they will do and people will do what that say… for those that stepped up , supported us over the many years we are ,forever grateful.
It’s happening
@Scotlandteam
vs
@IrishRugby
@WorldRugby
Ok it’s 10yrs on , wrap your head around mismanaged concussion can be fatal, keep it simple. I m still readjusting to life without my son.. not so simple
There is No HIA in Schools Rugby.
If In Doubt, Sit Them Out.
Leave diagnosing a Brain Injury to the medically trained experts.
No Maddock’s questions on pitch.
No finger/eye tracking.
Culture tests the player.
Protocols Remove the Player.
1/ So if my view re the recklessness. negligence & physical abuse doesn’t sit well with you , goes against the grain or decreases your likes your followers. I didn’t come to this platform for popularity. I came here because my 14 yr old son died. 2/
It’s Mother’s Day. I am a mother every day. I m proud to be the parent of these two. I still have the Mothers Days cards, the card that turned out to be a birthday card because they liked the verse better. ❤️ 💔 ❤️ hold your children dear.
To the “celebrity” who discussed my son’s passing in a very blasé manner, you can’t wrap kids in “cotton wool”It wasn’t here say. I watched & heard you say it. Yes, It’s an uncomfortable subject child death , but you know that now. You even have a podcast.
I ve no agenda , no book to publish no charity no sponsorships. I, with the help of others inform YOU of brain trauma within sport. NO HIA at youth level. NONE. No tests to pass or fail. NONE.
@dominicrumbles
@WorldRugby
Let’s be clear MY SON was the game changer & by God I will stand firm on this. My silence wasn’t bought. Every child every player deserves above and beyond adequate measures. Not a page in a match programme that has to be bought.
National bereaved parents month .. every day every month.
His first big boy haircut , his determination, doing his own thing his way. Welly boots for the beach.. ok . Choose your battles. Miss your hugs. Hold your children just that little bit tighter 💔
No headgear can protect against concussion. No head injury assessment at youth level. If,from what you’ve seen & heard & You suspect a brain injury YOU remove player from the game. They don’t return to play that day. Use your brain to keep theirs safe.
Thank you to
@Rugbyworldmag
for their focus on concussion and player welfare in their February edition.
Particularly impressed with their myth busting page (see example below) and cut-out-and-keep concussion guide.
Great work 👍🏻
Humbled that Peter Robinson has joined Progressive Rugby. Peter’s son Benjamin, 14, died after being permitted to continue playing rugby following a head injury. Peter campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness of the danger of concussion & brain injuries.
To all that wished my son a Happy Birthday day. I m truly humbled and wish I could thank you all individually for your support and kind words
@peterrobinson86
Today would have been Bens 24th birthday.
#Covid19
certainly has given us more time for reflection on life.
Some people missing their Sport but that will return in time.
We miss our beloved son every single day.
Please wish him a Happy Birthday and remember he lived
@DvoRobinson
"Vibrant, awesome and loving"- those three words sum him up, Mr Robinson told Sportsound Extra Time.
Sunday past marked the 10th anniversary of 14-year-old Carrickfergus schoolboy Ben Robinson's death after he collapsed near the end of a rugby match.
Was up at Bens grave today it’s the only place you can’t pretend he’s safe and well somewhere else.
Two more tragic deaths this week.
When will Sport take Concussion/Brain Injury seriously/ what will change the culture of allowing someone to carry on when clearly showing signs.
Honestly believe that Peter and Karen’s dedication to spreading the
#IfInDoubtSitThemOut
message as part of
#BensLegacy
will play a huge part in ensuring rugby has a healthy future.
This means the world to us.
Our son Benjamin. Their message. Our rugby family .
The kindness of strangers.
Benjamin’s scrapbook a 14yrs old wishes coming true. There are good people out there.
@rugbyworldcup
@dominicrumbles
Donny & fans ❤️
If I missed anyone out , apologies. Lastly for all of you on this platform (& those behind the scenes) who continue to share & have provided support over the years, it means the world to us. Thats our rugby family.
Her name is Siobhan. Behind the photo lies a family walking a similar path, support them, stand with them. Hurting but fighting for their beloved daughter.
@NeilBack
@sam_sportsnews
@lionsofficial
No I don’t have any medical qualifications. I don’t have my 14yr son Benjamin either. Brain injuries sustained in one school match , mismanaged concussion direct cause. I don’t need to protect the game, the players. Governing bodies do though..
@peterrobinson86
Perhaps if we post the PM results they might get it .. but then again probably not. He is our son we are his voice . Remembered with love and we will not let Benjamin be forgotten.
BB,So many dates why do you remember these dates , that’s obsessive they say ? I remember everything about each day.The sea of faces, burgundy & navy, the choir, hushed gasps,I remember everything. Wouldn’t you if it was your child 💔nothing else matters ..
Do not come at me with your lame excuses, with adequate measures with gold standards with denials . We did not stay silent. Follow the guidelines or follow a funeral cortège.
Concussions happen. Life happens. Fatalities happen.
Play the game not the 🧠 . If in doubt REMOVE the child.
Stand at the pitch side NOT a grave side. You can replace a player you CANNOT replace your child.
🙏♥️Never under estimate the simple act of removing a kid displaying Signs & Symptoms of a Suspected Brain Injury.
Please don’t give
#Concussion
/Brain Injury a second chance 🙏
Get informed why you should always err on the side of caution 🧠🏉🧠⚽️🧠🚴♀️🧠
“Ben on Tour”
@Dubai7s
Boys doing him proud.
The 7s team win the Plate Final and the 10s are in the Veterans International Social Cup today.
Lots of interest and interaction with other teams that’s what it’s all about.
Spreading awareness around Brain Injury 🧠
#BensLegacy
❤️
A few things. 1 . 2013 Sept was the second & final inquest both very public. 2. We travelled to Dublin & met with IRFU they said their concussion policy was adequate. 3. Dec. I spoke to The Guardian & this was printed.
You can have all the guidelines, protocols, directives etc however YOU all need to adhere to them. Coaches , referees , players , teammates , parents, guardians, educate yourselves on the visual & audible signs of brain trauma
Concussion in sport is a serious issue.
We want to make sure everyone is aware of how to recognise a concussion and what to do if they suspect someone is concussed.
New grassroots guidance released today -
#IfInDoubtSitThemOut
Every time I see his face.. the face of change a timeless picture. Attitudes awareness , more can and should be done. Heartfelt thanks to those who disseminate the simple lesson. If in doubt sit the player out. Recognise & Remove. Don’t second guess it.
As a family we spoke out we did/do what we could / can to make people aware. Benjamin just a schoolboy playing for his school. Benjamin is a very much loved & missed child. A 14yr old brought about change. Just our son.
There are no head injury assessments in schools rugby.
Scrum caps DO NOT prevent concussion.
Concussion is concussion is a brain injury. Treat the injury with the respect it deserves.
If in doubt sit the player out.
Sleep tight my no. 12
@peterrobinson86
Benjamin lived in Northern Ireland,played school rugby in Northern Ireland. Benjamin only 14yrs old. In 2014
@JohnODowdSF
ensured all schoolchildren received concussion info. Today we thank all of you for making this a landmark in all sport .
#BensLegacy
Massive thanks to all the individuals and teams who have supported and helped promote the “If In Doubt, Sit Them Out” message over the last 10 years.
The love of a child is a great driving force ♥️
Without your brain there is no game 🧠
@andypowell8
2.Medics thought he had been in a car crash such was the state of his brain. No one told me he could die from mismanaged concussion or whatever label you want to use. It’s not rare fatalities occur. No one told me of the risks no one told his teammates either
@AlixPopham
I don’t have the heart to like. Once again another family left devastated and let down by the great game. I m sad & angry. The “rugby family “make it their business that tragedies like this stay silent. They didn’t buy my silence.
@dominicrumbles
@rugbyworldcup
The greatest and the only player that has made the biggest impact in his short schoolboy rugby career from 2007 - 2011. He doesn’t have a book or documentary to sell. He does have a scrapbook though, not the type he really wanted though. ♥️
And I don’t want another parent have to endure that pain. He died because there was a very clear lack of care & attention ie neglect . Anyone getting uncomfortable yet? I d swap places in a heartbeat.
This is Benjamin he is our child. He will always be 14yrs old. Rugby doesn’t define him, he is so much more than that. Remembered with love and sorely missed. ❤️
@bryen_arlene
@DvoRobinson
Thank you Arlene 👏👏👏
Best wishes to Heriots for the final 🏏
Bens Banner is a timely reminder to all in Cricket to do the right thing when it comes to Concussion/Brain Injury.
As a family we are eternally grateful for all of those in the background. The makers of banners ,the clubs & people that display the banner the teams that display the message on their kit. People who we haven’t met but raise awareness because of Benjamin ❤️
@ProgressiveRug
@DvoRobinson
We get our strength from the amazing support from family and friends.
To all those who keep Benjamin’s name alive and remember he lived. 👍❤️
We all owe it to him to make sure no Brain Injured player is allowed to play on.
All players at all levels need protected from themselves.
At the end of the day ,remember what you’ve said and what you’ve done CANNOT be undone. What you could have said what you could have done, would have meant a very different outcome for my son. Hold your children dear. They are the most precious of gifts.
A filtered life drifting between then & now. On the days when triggers pop up there is no hiding the mental fallout. Grief is not a tidy package. What some consider as “being difficult to be around” is our coping mechanism . It’s not a choice. It’s an effort.
One of those days that grief slaps you in the face.
Had to attend A&E with youngest daughter and whilst waiting a young lad came in called Benjamin suffering from
#Concussion
Can’t help thinking what if our Ben had been removed and sent to A&E
Please don’t perform HIAs on kids.