That name may not mean anything to you, so let me back track slightly. Alex Godbold is our next door neighbour’s son.
And on Monday afternoon this week we learnt the devastating news that Alex had died in a tragic accident on Saturday night. Alex was 22.
I literally put my hands to my mouth and said “oh no, oh my god, no”. I couldn’t believe it. The Godbolds have been our neighbours for almost seven years, since we moved in and are great. Always there with an offer to look after our cats when we go away or to sign for a parcel for us if we are out.
I have mentioned them in blog posts a couple of times, such as when our cat climbed their scaffolding and sat on the end of their bed. Or when our fat cat hangs around their guinea pigs for a hand out of food late at night. They came to our wedding. We have shared gin and tonics. Sung along to the music in their garden if we have been sitting in ours. When we had a massive legal issue surrounding our house (only discovered the day we moved in) they offered us a lot of invaluable background information on the builders and previous owners. They were very understanding when the roof above our hot tub flew off, in its entirety during a storm a few years ago and landed in their garden.
Alex is their only son, and brother to their daughter who is equally as cheery and wavy (and who has a great taste in music that we can sometimes hear if her bedroom window is open in the summer. Couple of times I have stopped for a little sing along on our drive before driving off).
Alex was always ready to wave if he was on the drive washing his car as we pulled out, or asking after us all if we had time for a chat. To hear of his sudden death has been devastating. The idea that we will no longer see photos of him uploaded to Facebook by his parents or his sister at family gatherings is desperately sad. And the downside of social media. You can find yourself looking at his Facebook page and just shaking your head, thinking “how can this be possible?” God knows how his mates are all feeling.
We have some idea of how his parents are feeling, having lost Bruce’s brother suddenly a few years ago. It’s gut wrenching. But I can’t fully comprehend the grief of losing a son in such tragic circumstances. Or a brother. Or a much loved buddy.
Alex’s dad, Jon, emailed me today with details of the funeral and pointed out that there should be no flowers, but they would like donations to be made to a local charity that do a lot of great work with local youngsters. An organisation called Fleet Phoenix. In their own words:
I am all for empowering teenagers and think this charity does amazing work. A thought shared by the Godbolds. Alex had received all sorts of support from them and was often seen on his BMX with his mates near their offices. Charlotte who runs the charity is a good friend of theirs, and knew Alex well.
When my teens were younger they attended their Hype discos, with me safe in the knowledge they were having a good time and that their drinks would not be spiked. Funding for these services has been withdrawn by the local council so it is vital the charity raise as much money as possible privately.
Hence the Godbolds wanting to remember Alex in this way. Hoping that in some small way his death may be able to help other youngsters, with whatever support they may need. And Jon asking if I would share news of this organisation with you in the hope their existence can reach a wider audience.
RIP Alex
Thank you so much.
It means something to me as I know how shocked you were to hear the news. It is just too sad and such a waste of a life. I’m so glad his parents are doing this in his name. Love and strength to them from a stranger xxx
I am so sorry for your loss and theirs. Truly sorry. As you know, my eldest is nearly 19 and about to go to uni and this is really close to home. Love to you all xxx
Ditto. Just beyond comprehension. Big hugs
I have an idea what the family is going through. Much love.
Much love. And I am so sorry for your loss. Big hugs
No parent should have to bury their child, so so tragic. I hope they will be able to raise a lot of money in his memory x
Thank you Carolin. No, you are so right, burying our children is not how the world is supposed to work, is it. Thank you for your kind words, I know it will mean a lot
What a terrible thing to be going through for them as parents and you being so close too. I hope they manage to make a difference with the memorial page. X
This just made me cry. A friend of mine in Sunninghill lost her daughter a couple of weeks ago…also in a tragic accident..also 22 years old :(. It’s her funeral today and I’ve written a poem on my site which may be of some comfort to you too – it’s called Forever Young. I am so sorry to hear of another very sad loss, my thoughts are with you and this young mans family xxx
What a beautiful poem that is. My thoughts are with you and your friends too. So much sadness.
This story makes me feel SO helpless. Sending huge love and hugs to everyone involved. I can’t imagine the loss. So sad x
Thanks Katy. That feeling is one we all recognise. Just glad that I might be able to help in a tiny way by raising awareness of the charity. Just too sad.
I join with all who have already written so eloquently – can’t possibly match their words and thoughts.
Please tell Alex’s parents and his sister that Pat and I are with them in spirit.
As with Kate Sutton, my eldest is 19 and about to leave for uni so this sends a shiver down my spine. My partner recently had Meningitis (he’s recovering well), but in our house at the moment we’re all painfully aware of our own potential to slip from this life without a warning, and that reminder does make you stop and think – a lot.
My sympathy for your neighbours for their loss, and to you for yours x
So, so sorry to hear this. Such a shock. Much love to all his family, friends and neighbours xxx
I’m so sorry to read this. Love to you and everyone affected. Fleet Phoenix sounds like a lovely charity to support in the memory of a young life lost too soon x
Gosh, this is so sad. Thoughts are with you all, especially his family.
Tanya, this is the saddest news. I can’t imagine the sorrow, and it’s great that you are doing this to support them, it gives a focus. Love and hugs, Ali x
Sending love and strength to Alex’s family at this time from a stranger.
Love to you also Tanya.
Really wonderful that you wrote this post to help raise awareness and hopefully money for a great cause. Xx
Just ghastly. My eldest crashed into a car head on in our lane on a pushbike this week. He was so lucky to walk away (careful driver), this makes me realize just how lucky.
Oh Tanya, how bloody horrendous for everyone who was close to Alex. Just off on his journey of life. Hang in there, as I am sure the family will be needing the support of their friends and neighbours for a while to come.
There are no words. Just awful and such a tragic thing for his family and friends to deal with. I’m sure it means a lot to them that they have supportive neighbours x
I am so sorry. Sending strength to you and to the family and friends.
So sorry to hear this. Is there any way i can find out details of the funeral? My brother was a good friend of alex at school and would like to go pay his respects?
I know Alex from the skate park, he was always a lovely guy and I hope he is now in a better place. Ride on Alex x
Thank you so much for your comment. I am so sorry for you losing a buddy. And yes, here’s to Alex being at peace