Tribute paid to brave Alex, 18
A MOTHER has paid tribute to her brave son who lost his battle with a rare form of cancer just six months after being diagnosed.
Catherine Wales has spoken of how her 18-year-old son Alex continued to make others laugh despite fighting Burkitt's lymphoma.
Alex, who lived in Oakham before moving to High Crescent, Great Casterton last year, died in his sleep in the Sue Ryder Care Hospice at Thorpe Hall on August 18.
This is the second painful goodbye Catherine, 50, and children William, 22, and Freya, 20, have had this year as husband and father Kevin died in May after suffering with a liver tumour.
Hundreds of people filled St Peter's Church at Empingham on Friday last week to say goodbye to popular Alex, who enjoyed BMX riding, diving, skateboarding and motocross. He taught youngsters in Oakham BMX riding skills.
Catherine said: "He was such a star and was so brave and just got on with it. He never moaned or complained.
"He was a clever lad and Alex had an enthusiasm for everything. He was always interested in everyone else and always put other people before himself. I know that sounds like a cliche but he did."
Alex's condition was diagnosed in February after he found a swelling in his abdomen. He was admitted to Edith Cavell Hospital Peterborough, with a suspected bowel blockage.
But tests revealed Alex had Burkitt's lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer of the lymphatic system, and was admitted to Addenbrookes Hospital on February 11, his 18th birthday.
Catherine says doctors were hopeful they could tackle Alex's cancer and were positive after a four-month spell of chemotherapy.
However, a final scan revealed there was some residual lymphoma left and Alex was put on a stronger dose of chemotherapy.
On July 28 Alex was told nothing further could be done for him.
Catherine said Alex had a good relationship with his dad they used to rebuild motorbikes together. While they were both in hospital they would e-mail and call each other.
Alex was told of his dad's death on a day when he should have been celebrating after finishing a bout of chemotherapy.
Catherine is now hoping to dispel some of the myths about cancer.
She said: "Cancer has still got that stigma. I want kids to know that cancer is not all the same and there are some cancers that are curable."
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Monday 06 February 2012
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