A 30-year-old man described as ‘brave and handsome’ passed away while surrounded by his family following a battle with cancer. Alex Able, a resident of Horsted, Chatham, peacefully departed in the presence of his wife, Elle.
Last year, Alex, who worked as a soft drink engineer, received the devastating news of having a Rhabdoid tumor, an exceedingly rare form of cancer with only 11 known cases in Europe. He was reportedly the first individual diagnosed with this type of cancer in the UK. As his condition progressed, his family initiated a fundraiser to support additional treatments after his therapy at Guys Hospital in London was discontinued.
Despite facing challenges, Alex’s story garnered attention from medical professionals worldwide. With the assistance of a specialist from Germany and other healthcare professionals moved by his situation, a new treatment plan was devised. Tragically, after completing the first week of the new treatment, Alex suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage and passed away.
His funeral was a heartfelt gathering attended by family, friends, colleagues, and schoolmates. Katie Dine, Alex’s mother-in-law, shared that the event reflected Alex’s passions and talents, showcasing his artwork, musical interests, and love for motorcycles. The attendees reminisced about Alex’s life and expressed their deep affection for him.
Known for his love of Harley-Davidsons and music, particularly Metallica, Alex and Elle met in 2019 and quickly formed a strong bond. The couple got engaged within nine months and married shortly after, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Alex’s close friend, Billy, remembered Alex’s decisive nature and unique qualities fondly.
Before his illness, Alex and Elle had plans to relocate to Shropshire to be closer to family and start their own. Tragically, these dreams were left unfulfilled as Alex’s health deteriorated. To honor his memory, the family intends to establish The Alex Able Retreat using the remaining funds raised for his treatment. The retreat will provide a free, accessible sanctuary for individuals in similar circumstances to stay and heal.
Alex’s legacy will live on through this initiative, fulfilling his aspiration of offering support and comfort to others facing health challenges. Elle’s parents are dedicated to providing the necessary resources for the project, underscoring their commitment to Alex’s vision. The retreat aims to offer a serene environment with nature-based activities and therapeutic spaces to aid in the recovery process.
The family, along with Elle and Alex’s friends, have pledged to make The Alex Able Retreat a beacon of hope for those in need. Their efforts to establish the retreat align with Alex’s desire to create a lasting impact and support those battling illnesses. Donations to support the project can be made through Alex’s GoFundMe page, ensuring that his legacy continues to benefit others in the future.