Alex was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in autumn 2019.  His decline was rapid as he suffered from an extremely aggressive form of the disease. Sadly Alex died on the evening of Saturday 18^th April 2020; he was at home surrounded by loved ones – his partner, George, and brother, Guy.

Nobody saw this coming. To say it sent shock waves through the lives of everyone Alex knew is an understatement. Even writing this feels surreal, despite the fact that we all know MND is a terminal diagnosis, and a relentlessly cruel disease. 

I first met Alex at an industry networking event back in 2013, and upon discovering that we had quite a few mutual contacts, we quickly became friends. In Alex I found someone with whom I could share industry gossip as readily as I could personal stories, and we enjoyed many fun evenings mixing the two worlds and generally having a good laugh. I went on a number of ski trips with Alex, which invariably meant as much après as there was skiing itself, and many hairy moments on the slopes. Over the years Alex became a close friend and we shared many wonderful moments together. 

Alex joined Savills in 2011 where he led the public sector consultancy team; he was a popular member of staff and led the business through many successful pitches. His focus, energy and expertise was second-to-none and his loss is sharply felt by everyone he worked with. Indeed, I am indebted to him for introducing me to the Savills 'family' when he spotted an opportunity for me to join the business. I'll do my best to honour his commitment! 

I told Alex about my ambitions to run the 2020 London Marathon last November when I was notified of securing a place. In his usual fashion he joked that I'd better start losing a few pounds, spend less time in the pub and get my running shoes on. He wasn't wrong - and in some ways Alex's no-nonsense advice has given me real impetus for permanent change and personal growth. 

This is why I have chosen to run the 2020 London Marathon raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in Alex's memory - to shine a light on his life and celebrate the person he was. The MNDA supported Alex through the difficult days, weeks and months and provided a wealth of resource for him and his loved ones. In remembering Alex, we are helping the MNDA continue to support the thousands of people impacted daily by this terrible disease. 

Let's remember Alex's smile, his quick-witted humour, his loyalty, his determination and his ambition to do what is right.  

I hope we can learn to be as humble and kind as Alex was, and carry on baking chocolate brownies in his memory (but probably not as well as he did).

We all miss him dearly.

Thank you. 

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