Steve was working at the Royal Clarence on the night of the tragic fire, yet still managed to support City at Morecambe the following day
Despite the tragic events at the Royal Clarence Hotel on the 28th October, the hotel’s Night Auditor, and lifelong City fan Steve Ellis was still able to support City away at Morecambe the following day.Steve has worked at the Royal Clarence Hotel as Night Auditor for the last 4 years; dealing with late check ins and early check outs, and providing room service for guests amongst other daily tasks.
On the night of the fire, Steve helped to get guests safely out of the building. A model of calmness, he moved guests to the cathedral green and swept the building with the fire service.
Steve found himself mentally and physically drained and was in shock by what he had witnessed, yet after returning home with no sleep, he was able to be up and on the Grecian travel coach for 7am, for the 5-hour journey to Morecambe to support City to a 3-0 win over Morecambe.
Steve said: “Going to support the team took my mind of the events and was a major distraction, I was of course checking the coverage on the journey to Morecambe, but as soon as we got to the ground I was solely focussed on supporting my team.”
“I’ve been a City fan for 25 years and am a season ticket holder, you could say I’m dedicated to the team, following them home and away – missing only two matches this season”
“I have found talking about it with friends and fellow City fans has helped. It is still in the back of my mind, and I’m often struggling to sleep. Abode have been great in helping me to get through this and look for new employment”
All at Exeter City are proud of Steve’s heroic efforts and commitment throughout the awful events at the Royal Clarence, and his determination and drive to support the team the following day.
The club are currently looking at ways it can support the Historic Exeter Fire appeal.