He touched and changed so many lives as he sought to be Christ-like.

UK supporter Alexander Paul is resting in heaven following a year-long battle with cancer. Alexander and his family have been Grace & Light supporters since the charity’s inception.

In 2013 Alexander and his mother Joanna completed the Glasgow Half Marathon to raise funds for our work in Nigeria. This was Alexander’s first long-distance race, while Joanna is a marathon and fundraising veteran.

At the time Joanna said: “When he turned 18 Alexander decided he’d like the challenge of a half marathon. He feels he has achieved something worth doing.”

In his short life Alexander has been an inspiration to both his peers and to politicians. In 2014, he was invited to speak at the UK Conservative Party annual conference. He spoke passionately about being stopped and searched by police more than 20 times from the age of 13, despite having no criminal history.

During the conference Alexander spoke with then Home Secretary Theresa May about his experiences and was subsequently invited to tea at 10 Downing Street. He also met former Prime Minister David Cameron.

At both his wake and funeral many university, secondary and primary school friends shared memories of Alexander’s confidence, encouragement and self-sacrificing love for his friends and family.

They spoke of his positive encouragement of young women and men to excel in their God-given talents and also their relationships with God. Alexander himself was a talented musician and poet who used both to honour God. Here he is on You Tube with his poem set to music exploring God’s view of us and our planet.

Alexander is mourned by his mother Joanna, father Francilien, younger brother Lamarr, sister Christine, extended family, church family and friends from university and school.