By Tania Martin
ALEX Webb was a champion in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.
In just 12 short years he became a friend to many in the hills with a simple smile always on offer.
The upcoming Sherbrooke soccer star was farewelled by more than 400 people last week following his tragic death at the Monbulk BMX Park.
Hundred of mourners celebrated his life at Lilydale Memorial Park on 24 July.
Alex died shortly after 5.30pm on Thursday, 17 July, when he came off his bike in a BMX accident.
But Alex’s parents, Karen and Leo have urged the community not to blame anyone for this tragedy.
They want to make sure the BMX Park remains and assures everyone that no one is at fault for this loss.
Mrs Webb said the support from the local community had been encouraging.
She said both the primary school and secondary college had shown how important Alex was to the school community.
Mrs Webb said the town’s RSL club, the Sherbrooke Ranges Junior Soccer Club and Football Federation Victoria had also been supportive.
“We can’t express how blessed we feel to be in this community,” she said.
Mrs Webb said she was shocked by how much Alex’s death had affected so many people.
“It’s amazing how far Alex’s reach was,” she said.
Mrs Webb said the outpouring of love from the Monbulk community was like having a massive extended family.
“It has brought so many people closer together,” she said.
Monbulk Primary School principal Ray Yates said Alex had touched so many hearts.
“We have lost our boy and Karen and Leo’s boy,” he said.
His maternal grandfather Richard Woodcock said Alex was more than just a grandson, he was his best mate.
“I didn’t spend enough time with him and now my best mate has gone,” he said.
His grand-pop, Arthur Webb said it was hard to say goodbye to his beloved boy but that he was grateful to have known him.
“Big Al with his big smile only had a short innings of 12 runs but what a good innings it was,” he said.
The Webbs have also vowed to continue Alex’s fight to see a soccer complex set up in Macclesfield.
Mrs Webb said he had a vision to see a centre set up as a one stop shop for soccer, netball and other sports.
The council is currently working on the plans to acquire space for the complex.
However, Mrs Webb said it wasn’t just Alex who was pushing for the complex and hopes that it won’t finally come to fruition because of her son’s death.
“He wouldn’t have wanted that… for everything to happen because he died,” she said.
Monbulk College students also organised a small memorial at the school last week to let off a number of balloons with messages to Alex.
Student Alexia said she only knew Alex for half a year but that he had become a really close friend.
Balloons of all colours where released on Wednesday in a simple message of love to their fellow student and much-loved friend.
A memorial chair and garden in Alex’s name will also be set up at Baynes Park Reserve.
The Webbs said they appreciated all the heartfelt tributes to Alex in the media.
“We just can’t say thank-you enough to everyone for all they have done,” Mrs Webb said.
