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.