06-08-2012 Last week was the saddest week in my 10 years at the Trust with the untimely death of our Founder Young Ambassador, Alex Williams, at just 18 years old. I first met Alex many years ago and have watched him grow into an extraordinary young man who always thought of others and gave his time selflessly to help anyone who needed him. I saw the ‘boy’ become a ‘man’ two years ago when he joined a parent discussion I was hosting at one of our Family Days – he was extraordinary. Despite all that meningitis had thrown at him, he considered himself lucky and was determined to show parents just what their children could achieve. When I asked him if he would be our first Young Ambassador his reaction was typical – “I would be honoured” he said! Alex, the honour was all ours. Just the week before he died, Alex and his fellow Young Ambassadors had taken over the Trust for the day, with Alex taking my job – and he was great! And earlier in July he had joined me and other families delivering our Education Petition to Downing Street. These and so many other things are memories I will always treasure. All too often where we get to know families who have been bereaved through meningitis, we never have the privilege of meeting the person they have lost. But occasionally we do, like Alex, who fought his battle against meningitis for 11 years, overcoming so many difficulties along the way, with the support of one of the most incredible families. Alison and Wayne were so proud of Alex and I know he was of them. The incredible closeness of the Williams family and the love they shared was highlighted very publically in the Channel 4 programme Secret Millionaire earlier this year. And as for Abbie, Alex’s little sister, there is no doubt that she takes after her brother and I will be proud to have her as a Young Ambassador as soon as she is old enough. It was a privilege for me to be alongside Alison and Wayne last week and to support them as things unfolded. And I got to spend lots of time with Alex. During his short life, Alex achieved more than most of us will achieve in a lifetime – and he certainly lived up to his motto of “believe and achieve”. What he has done for the Trust is incredible and I can assure you, his legacy will live on – he would not have it any other way. I also know that Alex’s fellow Young Ambassadors will do his memory proud. They have sent some incredible messages, as have so many of our supporters and I thank you for that. I know they mean a huge amount to Alison, Wayne and Abbie. Alex, you have had an impact on so many people and you will continue to inspire all of us. And while I know there will be tears, we will drive forward as that is what we owe to you as the representative of all those people we exist for – people who have fought or are fighting their own battle against meningitis and its impact. Alex, dearly loved son, brother and friend, inspirational young man, lover of hugs and founder Young Ambassador for the Meningitis Trust – you will always be in our hearts.