Alex: a life fast forward

[jollybaby]

Did anyone watch this on bbc3 last night? I was in tears most of the way through. I think Miss JB is going to be having lots of cuddles today.

For those who didn't see it - it was a documentary following the last months of life of a 21 year old with terminal cancer. Clearly not a cheery subject but Alex was inspiring. Makes you appreciate what you have - and puts all those worries about getting the best pram etc into perspective.

[birnehelene]

Yes, I watched it after having read reviews on BBC and in a newspaper. It was beautifully filmed and I also cried many tears. I have worked as a psychologist in cancer palliative care services and sometimes medical teams can forget the human impact. This is a poignant reminder.

[womanofdulwich]

i only saw the last 10 mins, but agian I thought aren't we lucky.

[Lochie]

Ali's sister (one of the bridesmaids at the wedding) is one of my best friends and so I feel lucky to know the Strain family. The documentary was done beautifully and reflects who these people actually are - Ali really is that nice a person, the documentary wasn't over-sentimentalised at all. I liked the way the programme focused on Alex's zest for life as well as his death - something we could all learn from. I know that one of the main reasons the docu was filmed was because the families wanted to raise awareness and money for this particular type of cancer so lets hope they achieve their aim.

[The Nappy Lady]

Just watched this on iplayer.

What an amazing family, and what incredibly brave people. Alex and Ali both amazed me with their strength and courage. I'm so glad they got to have their wedding day, and heartbroken they didn't have longer together.

[GinaG3]

I too just watched this on iPlayer, and it was really close to home for me, I knew a few people in the documentary having grown up just a few minutes away from the village. I too was amazed at the courage and bravery shown by everybody involved. Its beautiful they made such a bad situation the best it could be for everybody in Alex's life. Its so nice he got to meet Ali and find that kind of fulfillment in the final stages of his life. I hope the family get everything they aimed to out of making this documentary, it does really show life is what you make it! Very touching story..

[Browncoffee]

This sounds so moving, JB. Will brace myself (box of tissues in hand) & catch it on iplayer.