Walking for Alex

It is with a heavy heart we share the heartbreaking news that Alex Black has sadly lost his courageous battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, the 5th of November at the age of 44 years old.

Alex was nothing short of a fighter. Despite the overwhelming challenges that came with his diagnosis, he was determined to live his life to the fullest, approaching it with remarkable strength and spirit. Even in the face of chemotherapy, surgeries, and the relentless toll of cancer, Alex didn’t let on how unwell he was feeling - he always came with a big smile or a cracked a witty joke til the end.

For some time it seemed that Alex might be one of the lucky ones, with the tumour kept at bay, he was given a reprieve and he got on with the business of living a big, beautiful life. This one is a happy story - he continued to work, he saw the world, traveling when he could. He married his soul mate, Alexandra Givney. Dubbed by their close friends ‘Boy Alex’ and ‘Girl Alex.

The two Alex’s stared his tumour down with a resilience like no other and got on with squeezing every bit of joy from life, taking moments when possible to create beautiful memories. Together, they built a gorgeous family, first welcoming Sebastian (10), and five years later, Liam (5) was born. Seb and Liam go to school at Cammeray Public, in Year 4 and Kindy. The boys love to play soccer and above all else love playing games and having fun at home with Mum and Dad.

Devastatingly, this beautiful story has been marked by tragedy. Over these last 12 months, Alex’s health took a turn. The treatment that had once given us hope was no longer responsive, and the time we were all dreading arrived. They had to say goodbye.

The journey for this family has been a long one. Alex was diagnosed in his 20s, making the last 20 years incredibly taxing both emotionally and financially. Unfortunately, as Alex was so young when he was diagnosed, he was not able to get life insurance, making this time even more challenging for Alexandra and the boys. Through it all, she has been incredible in juggling work, caring for Alex, and raising their two young boys. She is profoundly grateful for all the love, meals, flowers, and support she has received.

If you are able to donate, any contribution will be greatly appreciated. The money will be going directly to Alexandra to help her relocate closer to support, cover funeral expenses, and allow for some time off work to grieve the great loss of her husband and to support her boys as they mourn their beloved Dad.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity and for being a part of the Black family’s story. Your support means the world. The immense love and support from their friends, family, and even strangers was what helped them keep on going for so long. They want to say thank you to every single person who has shown up during this journey. Our hearts are with Alexandra, Sebastian, Liam, and their wider family during this incredibly difficult time.