Hundreds of ECHO readers have paid tribute to Alex Connerty
Tributes have been paid to Alex Connerty. Photo by Colin Lane
Tributes have been been paid to a young man who was an “inspiration” and “loved life”. Alex Connerty died unexpectedly aged 19 on Wednesday, January 15 after living his life with the rare condition called Microcephalic Primordial Dwarfism Type II (MPD).
Alex’s family, from Maghull, set up the Walking With Giants Foundation in 2008 to support other families like themselves and look into the causes of MPD. During his life Alex captured the hearts of people across Liverpool and further afield.
On behalf on the family, Alex’s dad John paid an emotional tribute to his son. He described Alex as someone with an “amazing personality, loving soul and kindred spirit.”
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Following the tragic news of his death, hundreds of ECHO readers also paid tribute to Alex. Writing on the ECHO’s Facebook page, Paulette Williams said: “This is heartbreaking news. Alex loved life to the full and was the life and soul of the party, he loved to get up and sing and was loved by so many, will be safely missed by all, thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends. RIP Alex.”
Sarah Connors Brady added: “We are so sad, remember Alex mainly from attending nursery with my son but followed his progress since. Rest peacefully Alex. Thoughts are with Alex’s family.”
Karen Mcgee also said: “Devastated. Alex you were a true inspiration and such a talented young man, my heart goes out to you Sue Connerty and family, you are in my thoughts. RIP gorgeous boy.”
Sarah Bamford-Morrow said: “So sad to hear you’ve gained your wings Alex, I feel so lucky, privileged and blessed to have met you, such a gentle and inspirational person, thoughts are with your lovely family, friends and everyone who knew you, you touched a lot of people’s hearts, you maybe gone but you will never be forgotten Alex.”
Alex Connerty(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Su Beno added: “Our friend Alex, another warrior of inspiration who’s legacies in his young life will live on always with the love and determination you showed to your mum Sue and dad John. Inspiring times he has left behind memories only others could dream of.
“It was a true pleasure to know you, wrestle on amongst those stars Alex your friends and wrestling friends will continue to honour you. Love Ruben’s Nanna Su.”
Carole Clare said: “So, so sorry to hear this news Sue Connerty. Alex was a beautiful young man who brought joy and made a lasting lovely and positive impression on everyone he met. Our love and thoughts are with you John and all of your family. He will be missed by many.”
Alex’s dad John described how despite the difficulties he faced, he loved and lived life. John posted to Facebook: “Sue and I are heartbroken beyond belief! Yesterday Alex, our handsome inspirational son unexpectedly and sadly passed away.
“Alex mum, dad, your brother Michael, sister Jess, nan Margaret and Grandad Alec and all your other family members and friends are at a loss and already we all miss you so, so much. Since you were born you fought every day to live, you loved life and was starting to enjoy life to the fullest.
Sue Connerty of the charity Walking With Giants, with her son Alex when he was aged three(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
“We knew from early on that your life expectancy would be limited but you pushed your life expectancy to the extreme limits to the point we thought you would be with us forever. As parents, we are proud of bringing you into the world, we are proud of the way you overcame barriers in your daily life and more proud of the way you made everyone love you, due to your amazing personality, loving soul and kindred spirit.
“The following days, weeks, months and years to come are never ever going to be the same. They say time is a great healer but you were loved so much that there is not enough time in our lifetimes to get over your passing and the deep hole in our lives which has appeared, that will never be filled, even as that time goes by.
“We also have many many happy memories that we can remember you by that could help the loss we have but with these memories come heartache as we cannot create new ones, which we want so much.
“Son, you are at peace now, hopefully meeting up with passed family members and more importantly attending the biggest gig in the sky with all your PD friends singing ‘All Together Now’. We always love you Alex. Your broken-hearted Mum, Dad and family.”