MORE than 1,000 school pupils will trek across south Oxfordshire next week in memory of a former pupil.

Pupils at Wallingford School will swap lessons for a country walk in memory of former sixth-former Alex Lewis, who died aged 22 from bone cancer.

Alex was a pupil at St Birinus School in Didcot but he joined Wallingford School for the sixth form and was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 17.

Earlier this year, the sporting fanatic from Brightwell-cum-Sotwell became a well-known face across the country when a moving TV documentary told the story of his relationship with fiancée Ali Strain, and how they married on Alex’s 22nd birthday, five days before he died.

Now pupils at Alex’s former school in St George’s Road are to ditch their timetables on Tuesday to take part in an eight-mile round trip to beauty spot Wittenham Clumps.

Headteacher Wyll Willis said: “When Alex died we knew we had lost someone special and wanted to spend a day thinking about him. He loved the outdoors and was very active so we thought a sponsored walk for the whole school would be a good idea.

“Bone cancer is a vicious form of cancer which strikes the young and we wanted to support Alex’s desire to support other young people who are unfortunate enough to be in the same position.

“Alex was so active and healthy and was brought so low and fought so hard against the disease.

“I am hoping we raise several thousand pounds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust, which could make a big difference.”

Alex’s mother Angela Lewis, 53, who lives in Church Lane, with husband Andy Lewis, 62, a media consultant at ITV, will join staff and pupils on the walk with their daughter Emma Parr, a teacher at Cholsey Primary School.

Mrs Lewis said: “I think it’s incredible that so many pupils will be going on this walk in Alex’s memory and I hope it will raise thousands of pounds for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

“We feel incredibly comforted by the efforts people are going to in Alex’s memory.

“Alex really wanted to push the work of the BRCT, which is one of the reasons why he took part in the film.

“It was not a medical film in the end and Alex has become an inspiration to others.”

The documentary Alex: A Life Fast Forward was first shown on BBC3 in July and Mr Willis has shown parts of the film to pupils.

Mr Lewis’s widow, Ali Lewis, now 23 and living in Brixton, London, added: “Alex loved anything active so he would have loved this walk.

“It’s amazing that so many pupils are taking part.

“On Sunday I am taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London to raise money for the BCRT – I’m hoping to raise £3,500.”

St Birinus School is planning to stage a non-uniform fundraising day in February to coincide with Alex’s birthday on February 12.

For more information about the charity, visit bcrt.org.uk