Family and friends of a much-loved father have paid tribute to his life and legacy.
Described as “one of the best guys you could ever wish to meet”, Alex Davies from Lostock, died on November 10.
Alex is survived by his wife, Emma Davies, and their two children, Joseph and Eloise.
He was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, an incurable, fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour.
Alex spent the end of his life under the care of Bolton Hospice, surrounded by his loved ones, just a day after his 50th birthday.
Emma described the support from Bolton Hospice as “absolutely amazing” .
Alex’s funeral was held on November 28, arranged by Livesey Funeral Service.
“It was such a good tribute to him,” said Emma.
“We left the house in the pouring rain, and partway through the service, as tributes were being made, the sun came out.
“If a funeral can be lovely, then it was.”
Tributes to Alex
Born in Leigh, Alex was a lover of music, the Bolton Wanderers and most importantly, his family.
At his funeral, his loved ones shared stories of “a beautiful soul with a pure zest and a passion for life”.
A lifelong friend, Chris Kay, said it was “the honour of his life” to pay tribute to Alex and described him as “one of the best guys you could ever wish to meet”.
“He was never the loudest or most dominant presence in a room, but he was often the most influential, because he was so well informed and had a natural ability to talk to anyone.
“His unassumed confidence was his superpower to succeeding at life.”
Chris said Alex cared deeply about sustainability and fighting inequality, with a favourite T-shirt of his reading ‘Leave No Trace’.
Yet, whether it was through playing football with his son Joseph, dancing with his daughter Eloise, or going to gigs with his wife Emma, Alex left a lasting mark on those he loved.
“Above all else, Alex was a family man,” said Chris.
“Of all the many successes and achievements in his life, his family were his proudest accolade.
“It was clear to see that he loved the bones off Emma, and doted on Joseph and Eloise, who had him wrapped around her little finger.”
Chris described the way Alex and Emma faced life after his diagnosis as “truly inspiring,” adding that Emma’s care and love for Alex was “nothing short of exceptional”.
In a tribute to her late husband, Emma said: “It would be impossible to summarise what we’ve lost in Alex.
“An amazing husband and dad, we will miss him far beyond any words, every day.
“From the sound of the alarm without him there to get us out on time.
“At mealtimes, without the obvious dad jokes, laughter and silliness.
“Rolling our eyes at his health and safety advice and general lessons in life.
“We’ll even miss his pre- and post-match football analysis and daily solar panel performance updates.
“Alex was our CEO, tech support, HR department, timekeeper, organiser, advisor, entertainer, and our biggest cheerleader.
“He was the calmer of our storms and reined us in when needed.
“We’ll miss him with every step, carrying him in our hearts forever.
“We are lucky he was ours and the core of our world. It’s an understatement to say we are lost.
“A triangle doesn’t fit where a square should be, and Baxter (the family dog) is bewildered.
“But Alex showed us how to be strong, especially over the past few years.
“Now, we need to find that strength in ourselves to keep moving forward.
“In our modern world, to find someone with traits like Alex is a rarity.
“Maybe this world would be a better place if we could share his outlook and all be a bit more ‘Alex’.”
Devoting his career to the railway industry, Alex became a trusted leader who secured planning consents for landmark projects, like the Ordsall Chord, through his calm problem-solving and unwavering commitment.
His close friend and colleague, Jim Pearson, said: “Alex could light up a room just by being there, someone who used his great intellect, from travelling and reading, to talk to anyone about what they were interested in and make them feel better about their own lives.
“That included me and no doubt many people.”
Sharing stories of their childhood, Alex’s brother, Matthew Davies, said: “He inherited our parents’ academic streak, but combined it with a Bolton charm and an easy, thoughtful philosophy of life that seemed to come naturally to him.
“Mum and dad were so proud of the man he became – warm, kind, quietly remarkable – and deeply loved by his family.”
Matthew said that Alex could often be found napping, as he had done since they were children, or lost in a book, with reading being one of his greatest lifelong passions.
“He had an extraordinary ability to bring people together,” said Matthew.
“Alex had a huge heart, an infectious personality, and a zest for life that touched every single person who knew him.
“On behalf of myself, and mum and dad, I want to thank Emma for her strength, devotion, and the love and care she gave him.
“Alex was one in a million.
“I will miss him more than words can ever express.”
Raising funds and awareness
After his glioblastoma diagnosis, Alex championed progress in brain tumour research and care.
This included fundraising, presenting his story at a brain tumour conference, raising the issues surrounding cancer research with MP Phil Brickell who later raised them in Parliament, lighting up town halls and railway stations for Brain Cancer Awareness month, being the first NHS patient to do a specific memory scan, and taking part in clinical drug trials and research.
Alex even donated his tears, to explore if tear fluid can identify glioblastoma, and his brain tissue.
“The tear gathering process was so quick and simple,” said Emma.
“It's amazing to think that, in time, this could be rolled out as part of clinical practice in primary or urgent care.”
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Alex was an extraordinary man whose courage, kindness and determination touched everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
“Even while facing the most devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma, he channelled his strength into raising awareness and funds for the brain tumour community.
“His efforts – from lighting up local landmarks to championing research – showed his deep commitment to helping others.
“We are heartbroken at his loss and hold Emma and all his loved ones in our thoughts.
“Alex’s legacy will continue to inspire us in our mission to find a cure.”
Following in Alex’s footsteps, his friends and family have led fundraising campaigns for charities such as Brain Tumour Research, raising thousands of pounds.
Emma said they received incredible support from so many people throughout their journey.
Since Alex’s passing, she has set up a Just Giving Memorial Page for the Adult Brain Research Fund at The Christie Charity.
The Christie Charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/emma-davies-8?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL.
Alex’s colleagues at Network Rail have also raised funds for Bolton Hospice, where Alex spent the last week of his life.
“Life has changed so dramatically for us, with our planned future forever lost,” said Emma.
“Alex will not be here to see the fascinating work by brain cancer researcher Professor Petra Hamerlik and her team, as they move from the lab to a real patient clinical setting, if it is successful.
“But what a legacy for us to remember, everything he has done, being a part of something that will help others.”
“I will be forever proud of how he has managed his time with this condition and the fantastic contribution he has made.
“I think our children will have that to reflect on with great pride in the future.
“He was a fabulous husband and dad.”
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