I first met Alex when asked to be her mentor as a new starter at UoB. In our initial conversations I think I was supposed to tell her about the workings of the Uni, but I quickly saw she was fiercely intelligent and would be absolutely fine without that guidance! Our chats instead turned to travel, our shared love of dogs and a plethora of weddings we had coming up!

After a spell in our team, I got to see more of her humour and frankness which I very much appreciated. Both these aspects seem to have got her through some really dark times in recent years. Seldom do you meet a soul who can face their fiercest battles with such directness.

I admired Alex so much for facing her prognosis as she did; self depreciating humour yes, but no time for selfpity or wallowing. She seized what she had and did all she could.

And her art work-just wow!

I am desperately sad for those who loved her. I am truly so sorry for your loss.