“THIS was a battle I just couldn’t win.”
The words of Sam Alexander, the Teesdale Mercury’s sports reporter – and so much more – who died earlier this week after a long battle against illness.
In sporting terms, Sam had been side-lined for the past six months after being given a new lease of life thanks to a lung transplant five years ago, which he said added “substance and joy” to his life.
Sam, 32, suffered from cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes lung infection and over time stops them working properly. By 2018 he had been placed on the transplant list at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
After two false alarms, Sam received his new lungs on February 21, 2020, followed by a year of rehabilitation.
Looking to the future Sam decided to combine his love of sport and interest in writing to enrol on a sports journalism course at Teesside University.
He was encouraged along the way by Stephen Brenkley, former cricket correspondent at The Independent and president of Barnard Castle Cricket Club.
Mr Brenkley said: “Sam will leave a gaping hole in the lives of his hundreds of friends. He was mischievous, funny, always ready for an adventure and will be missed enormously.
“I hadn’t quite realised what an outstanding writer he was until five or six years ago when I came across a blog he had written. It was simply exceptional, clearly the work of someone who was not only naturally gifted but knew his stuff.
“He made astonishing progress after that as a reporter, particularly in sport. His cricket reports were a particular joy. He was fearless in expressing opinions and those opinions were always supported by facts and knowledge.
“I was full of admiration for Sam. Always trenchant, always readable. He started a bit late because of his health but I imagine he could easily have gone on to be a shining star. When I am writing in future I shall think of him often: what would Sam have said?”
Sam took over submitting the weekly cricket club reports to the Mercury. This led to an offer to be part of the editorial team to add on-the-job experience to his university studies.
Editor Stuart Laundy said: “Sam quickly made his mark and became an integral part of the team.
“Although his passion was sport, he was happy to turn his hand to anything he was asked to do, covering everything from a trail-laying demonstration by the Zetland and Bedale Hunts to stargazing at Grassholme Observatory.
“He had enjoyed a visit to the stables of trainer Michael Dods and was just beginning work on a feature about horse racing at the Sedgefield track when he became ill.
“Our thoughts are with Sam’s family. It was a joy to get to know and work alongside him and the last time we spoke, he left me in no doubt that he had loved his time at the paper.
“Sadly, he has not been given the chance to fulfil the huge potential he showed.”
Jim Entwistle, one of Sam’s lecturers at Teesside University, recalled a student held in high regard by his peers.
“When I first met Sam, I was new to teaching and he was relatively new to journalism.
“His work at the beginning was good but unpolished and he developed unusually quickly. He had the passion, drive and innate ability to succeed at the highest level.
“There’s no doubt in my mind about Sam’s potential. He was a great student and above that, a lovely person. I will miss him tremendously.”
Sam’s transplant also enabled him to embrace life to the full. He travelled widely to see something of the world and, closer to home, was a committed supporter of Barnard Castle Football Club.
A club statement said: “Barnard Castle Football Club are deeply saddened by the passing of committee member Sam Alexander.
“Sam worked tirelessly to attract sponsorship, promote the media profile of the club and provide assistance on match days.
“In recent years, Sam fulfilled numerous roles, including match day physio and first aider.
“However, Sam will always be best remembered at Barnard Castle Football Club for the Sport England fundraising campaign he led which enabled the club to extend the changing rooms, adding toilets and showers.
“The extension of the changing rooms means the club, and our community, can one day be proud of a team competing at Step 7 (semi-professional football).
“Barnard Castle Football Club will be forever grateful for Sam’s commitment, dedication and contribution.
“He has played a significant role in the recent development of the club and he will be commemorated at the club’s Tens Field ground in the near future.
“Finally, Barnard Castle Football Club would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Sam’s family. You have our full support.”
Sam was fully aware that his health was failing him but said he was “ready for whatever’s next”.
He added: “I’ve got enough time to say to people exactly how I feel about them, which has been very humbling and a pleasure.
“Everything since my transplant in 2020 has added substance and joy to my life which I never would have had if I hadn’t had that operation.
It’s not how anyone wanted things to work out and despite it obviously being a scary prospect I’m very at ease with what’s to come.
“Quite simply this was a battle I just couldn’t win this time.”
