Tributes for Wantage adventurer Alex Flynn, who was set to climb Everest

Tributes have flooded in for Alex Flynn, 49 from Wantage who died in Nepal before taking on his last mammoth adventure of climbing Everest.

Mr Flynn was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2008 when he was just 36, and from that point dedicated himself to raise awareness of and the need for a cure for Parkinson’s.

He believed that within his lifetime, we would find a cure, which would change the lives of millions around the world. So, he decided that whilst he was still able, he was going to run, walk, climb, and do anything else to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and the funds needed to facilitate research.

His quest took him to all four corners of the world, running marathons, to climbing.

His final challenges included climbing Mont Blanc in France, before setting off to successfully climb Mera Peak in the Himalayas’.

In a statement on Alex's website, his family said: "He went out exactly how he would have wanted to, off the high of having completed another adventure, on top of the world and about to step into a helicopter ready to take on the next challenge."

On his Facebook page Alex Flynn - Keep Moving, My Fight Against Parkinson's, friends and followers left tributes.

Read also: Wantage adventurer to be first person with Parkinson’s to climb Mount Everest

Billy Taylor said: "An amazing guy and a loyal friend. He has inspired and given hope to so many and in many ways is the reason behind what I am doing with my life today. I will miss you and your zest for life buddy and we shall meet again one day. My thoughts got out to Justine, his boys and the rest of his family."

Amanda Attwood said: "I am completely floored to hear of Alex’s passing. Only a few days ago a smiley face appeared in my messages from Alex. He was a lovely man with a genuine soul who had such an amazing talent to inspire. Sending love to Alex’s family and especially his boys at this very sad time."

Primal Quest in Canada

Rachel Stewart said: "Devastated to read this. Alex was a true friend of old and a truly amazing and inspirational man. Our lives are better for having known him. My thoughts and sincerest of condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Alex, one of the greats, taken far too soon."

Tom Bentley said: "I’m so sorry to read this - Alex was a tremendous human being who was always really kind and warm to me, as well as being so inspiring every time we spoke - rest in peace my friend, and know that you will keep inspiring people for many years to come through your remarkable achievements."

Gayle Hopkinson said: "I am so sorry to read this. I’ve followed Alex’s journey for some time and he was such an inspiration. He gave me hope and inspired me to stay positive as a fellow younger person with Parkinson’s. Condolences to his family and friends."

Read also: Thames Valley Air Ambulance service reaches 5,000-patient landmark

Wantage MP David Johnson has paid tribute to Mr Flynn, saying he did a "fantastic job" of raising awareness right up until his final day.

He said: "At the time he died Alex was in Nepal to take on his latest challenge, trying to be the first person with Parkinson’s to scale Mount Everest. He sadly couldn’t complete it, but he’d already achieved more than most of us ever will."

Mr Flynn's family have asked for people to donate to the local charity based in Wantage: www.Parkinsons.me

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