Remembering Alex

I’ve shared some photos in the gallery, capturing some of the happiest and most genuine moments of who Alex was.

Something Alex always had, from day one, is very hard to put into words, actually. He had this glint in his eye and a smile that, when you saw it, you just knew you were going to have a good day.

When he was younger, he played for our local football club, and he absolutely loved it. It brought out a new streak in him: determination and fearlessness. He played in goal and never flinched when the ball came flying towards him. He also played in defence, often the last line before the goalkeeper, and thrived on the challenge, especially against physically bigger players.

He also ran his first Parkrun with me, crossing the finish line with his hands in the air shouting, “5K smashed!”, a moment that still makes me smile.

From the 'gallery' there is a photo from a family holiday, “the boys on holiday,” taken by my wife, Elly.

At home and with family, Alex had a natural humour and confidence. Whether on holiday telling me and his older brother what to do, or after school football happily tucking into a rice pudding, he was completely himself, warm, funny and full of life.

To us, and to many others, Alex made life look easy. He stood up for others, connected with people of all ages, and had a natural way of lifting the mood in a room.

Even towards the very end of his life, he said he wanted to be remembered as “the happiest boy in the world.”

A legacy beyond our family

After last year’s sponsored walk, I was invited back to Alex’s secondary school for a memorial event. It was incredibly moving. His favourite music was played, and photographs of Alex, many with his friends, were projected almost life-size onto the wall of the sixth form block he attended. For a moment, it felt as though he was right there with us.

The school presented us with albums of photographs and messages from students and staff. I still haven’t been able to read them all in one sitting, there are so many kind words, but they reflect just how many lives Alex touched.

Students also organised a memorial rugby trophy, the Cardoza Cup (as shown in the 'Gallery'), to be awarded each year to the most improved player. One of Alex’s teachers told me that not many people leave such a strong legacy in such a short time, but Alex had. Hearing that meant a great deal.

Looking back, I’ve learned even more about Alex’s achievements and hopes for the future, some of which even we didn’t fully realise at the time.

But what stands out most isn’t a list of roles or grades. It’s the kind of person he was; modest, kind, bright, and loved by those around him.

At his final parents’ evening, Alex was with me as we met each of his teachers. It felt less like a formal meeting and more like watching old friends catch up, seeing the ease and warmth in the way they spoke with him.

When people talk about legacy, they often think of titles or accomplishments. For me, Alex’s greatest legacy is the love he gave, to his family, his friends and everyone around him. His smile and that glint in his eye could brighten your entire day.

That is what I will always treasure and always miss.

Remembering Alex at Greenwich Peninsula parkrun

On Saturday 28th March 2026, we will be taking part at Greenwich Peninsula, Tide Square (8.45am), in support of YoungMinds.

It is not about performance or distance, but about remembering Alex and turning that remembrance into something positive.

If you would like to take part in this year’s run in Alex’s memory, you would be very welcome to join.

Some people may choose to run, others to walk, or simply be there in support; all are equally appreciated. Being together, in whatever way feels right, is what matters most.

Thank you for remembering Alex, and for the kindness and support you have shown our family over the past year. Whether you choose to join the run, donate, share this story or simply check in on someone you care about, it all matters.

Remembering Alex at Bromley parkrun, Norman Park

Last week’s walk and run on 21st March 2026 brought people together, one year on. It gave us a moment to reflect on our loss, and to remember that Alex’s life mattered, and still matters.

It also felt like a way to start doing something constructive, raising awareness for mental health.

We came together at Norman Park in Bromley that morning in support of YoungMinds.

It was emotional from start to finish.

But I wasn’t on my own. I had people from work, friends, fellow runners, and students from Alex’s school around me, and that meant everything.

I said a few words about Alex at the start. It wasn’t easy, but the way people listened, and the support I felt straight away, really stayed with me.

During the run, people encouraged me, spoke to me, and afterwards I saw the messages on here. The kindness and generosity were overwhelming.

I’m so grateful for the support around me. It really helped me get through the day.

Thank you to everyone who stood by me. It means more than I can say.

The original message from 2025, written when this page was first created, remains below.

This isn’t an easy story to tell. But it’s one I feel I need to share for anyone who may be walking a similar path, and for those who might not see the signs in someone they care about.

It’s about my son, Alex.

Alex was one of those people who just made life brighter. He had a gift for making people laugh, often with a cheeky grin and a perfectly timed comment. He had a natural way of connecting with others, whether it was with his friends, his teachers, or even with me, when I needed advice. He was smart, humble, funny, and always had time for others.

At school, Alex wore many hats. He sat on the school council, was a prefect, house captain, wellbeing champion, and played for the school football and rugby team. He loved being involved and had a quiet way of making sure people felt included. He didn’t talk about his achievements much, we usually found out through others. That was just Alex.

But what most people didn’t know was that, from the age of 14, Alex was living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a mental health condition where someone becomes fixated on flaws in their appearance that are often invisible to others. For Alex, it started with his skin. What most of us saw as typical teenage acne, he saw very differently.

Despite this, he carried on. He smiled. He supported others. He worked hard. He made us proud every day.

On 27th March 2025, Alex passed away.

Alex wasn’t defined by how he died. He was defined by how he lived with kindness, humour, empathy, and light. He was our Supernova.

In his honour, we’re organising a charity walk/run, a chance for us to walk together, raise awareness, and support the vital work of mental health organisations. Whether you run, walk, donate, or simply show support, every step helps.

Thank you for reading, donating, or simply keeping Alex in your thoughts.