Elloney, 80, knitted scarves for Crystal Palace fans for years. Remembered as a selfless matchday icon in Croydon.
Most weeks, Elloney knitted at home. Then, on match days, she sold her items near Aldi and Sainsbury’s, which were near Crystal Palace. Her granddaughter, Joelle Robertson, paid tribute, calling Elloney selfless and kind.
Joelle said Elloney had a heart-warming smile. Elloney often let people pay what they could, wanting everyone to afford her items. People often ordered specific colors, and she made high-quality items at home.
People who bought them years ago still wear them to every game. Crystal Palace fans considered Elloney a “matchday icon;” she truly became one.
Elloney had leg ulcers for 60 years and later got osteomyelitis. This caused her severe pain and affected her movement. Despite this, she went to every home game.
Joelle said Elloney was often very ill, but she found the strength to see the supporters. Even when it was hard, she went in a wheelchair. She was upset when she could not go this season.
Elloney’s family tried to bring her one last time, but sadly, she was not well enough. She spent three hours knitting each scarf at home.
Elloney spent three months in hospital last summer and then went home briefly. She returned to the hospital after Christmas and sadly died on February 12.
Her family are fundraising for her funeral and, in just 10 days, raised over £3,250 from 215 donations. They hope to raise £4,500 total to cover the funeral costs.
Fans shared their sadness on the fundraiser. Seeing her on the way to Selhurst Park brought joy, and others called her a “matchday icon.”
Joelle was moved by the fans’ support; the kind messages brought her to tears. She and her mother felt overwhelmed, and Elloney would be shocked, as she just wanted people happy.
Joelle said Elloney went through much in her life, but she never let it affect her.