The world lost a very special person on 16th May 2011. Alex has touched many people during his short but full life, but no more so than during the last 12 months. It is on this day that we got to truly recognise Alex’s qualities as a person. Since Alex’s death, the tributes that have poured in all have a common theme and reflect the tremendous courage and selflessness Alex has shown over the last 12 months. Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in April of last year, Alex underwent a brain operation and a long period of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. During this time, the nurses were impressed with Alex’s endurance and at no point did he complain or make a fuss. Alex spoke rarely of his illness and had an excellent understanding of his condition which is poignantly demonstrated in an essay he put together for his English GCSE entitled ‘Tumour’ a copy of which is printed within the Order of Service. With this knowledge, Alex set about both fighting the tumour in every possible way, but at the same time, protecting his family from conversations that he knew would be upsetting and distressing. The level of maturity Alex showed was beyond his years and his conscientious personality will live with us forever. Alex wasn’t only good at fighting tumours, but also gifted both academically and in sport and it was in sport that Alex expressed himself the most, not vocally but through his talent. Alex was a fantastic technician whether it was gliding down a ski slope or taking a hat trick in his favourite sport, cricket. Alex was never happier than being outside playing cricket with his friends and being part of a team, be it cricket, football, rugby or swimming. Alex received many accolades in the field of sport. Probably one of his proudest moments was receiving the Richard Lowery trophy in year 10 for sportsman of the year. To qualify for this award, you had to have represented your school in at least 4 sports between years 7 and 10. The winner is decided by a ballot of his peers, in which Alex had an overwhelming majority. Alex was known for practicing cricket in all manner of places, these include India, various car parks, and even practiced his bowling technique walking around the house. It’s therefore fitting that Alex is dressed in his Salesian cricket whites today with a bat and ball by his sides. Alex well known for his dress sense and style. One of his nick-names at school, apart from Bolty, was ‘Perm-a-tan’ as Alex would turn a beautiful shade of brown even after only half an hour in the sun. He was also blessed with good looks which he never lost, even at the end of his life. This suited him as he could quietly go about his life without being perceived as ill. Alex also had a fantastic sense of humour and was naturally witty. He was a boy of sometimes few words but when he did speak it was also well timed, appropriate and often funny. Alex’s sense of humour added to his popularity and another example of this was his close friends visiting on so many occasions. One of Alex’s favourite pastimes was to hang out with his friends in starbucks. When he was unable to do this, the same group of friends would visit and would spend time in Alex’s bedroom. It was fantastic that they as a group could act like normal teenagers. Alex has touched the hearts of many people, adults and children alike his courage through his illness has helped to put lots of peoples problems in perspective and in a number of incidents changed peoples lives. Alex had an aura about him whatever company he was in. Following a visit to the Spurs training ground in March where Alex met the players both Harry Redknapp and Peter Crouch have continued to ask after Alex. Alex also had the privilege of meeting Darren Gough it is a wonderful gesture that Darren is able to join us today with his wife Anna and share in the memory of Alex. Finally, I would like to mention Alex’s smile. It was a smile that would light up a room and whether it was winning a cricket match or seeing a wonder goal at White Hart Lane it was infectious and will always be in our memories. You never wanted it to be abut you Alex, you were one of the most modest and unassuming we knew it was a privilege to know you. Alex you were loved by so many and you will be missed by so many. We wish you peace