A charity sports event has been organised to kick off this weekend, in memory of a St Albans man who died about 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Alex Demain Charity Football Match is being held on Sunday, May 1, at Sandridge Rovers FC – Alex’s former side.
Alex, who died at the age of 29 in September last year, was a popular and well-loved friend of many people in St Albans and Harpenden.
He worked for Crohn’s and Colitis UK in St Albans where his charm made him a favourite among colleagues.
But the charity had a deeper meaning for Alex as he and his sister were both diagnosed with Crohn’s as children - something he did not reveal to his colleagues for a long time.
His sister Sophie, 28, a PE teacher who lives in St Albans, said that she and Alex were diagnosed when they were about seven or eight years old and “it changed our lives and caused us obstacles but more positively brought us closer together.
“We learnt to live with it and never let it prevent us from doing what we wanted.
“Alex loved sports, especially football. We want this event to bring people together to raise money and keep the legacy of Alex alive.”
The event has been organised mainly by Alex’s good friend Jamie Fish, along with Sophie.
All money raised will go to Crohn’s and Colitis UK.
Sophie said: “This fundraiser will not only raise valuable money but will increase the awareness of a life-changing disease.
“Crohn’s and Colitis UK is a small charity compared to most, supporting and researching a disease that can have huge impacts on people’s lives.
“Alex represents perseverance; not once did he moan, focus on the negative or let hurdles affect his journey.
“He woke up happy every day, making jokes, changing people’s moods and inspiring others.
“Not many people knew of Alex’s struggles and that is what he wanted. This will be an amazing event to celebrate his life and we look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.”
Even while Alex was receiving treatment for cancer he continued to study for a marketing and fundraising masters, which he was just a few essays away from completing, and he was awarded it posthumously at the end of last year.
• The fundraiser at Sandridge Rovers FC starts from 11am, with kick-off at noon. For more information on the event, which includes a BBQ, raffle, bouncy castle and face painting, please see https://www.facebook.com/events/1640144562904582/
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