Alex, from Maghull, was a disability activist who taught the world about primordial dwarfism
21:42, 16 Jan 2025Updated 21:42, 16 Jan 2025
Alex Connerty has died suddenly aged 19
The family of Alex Connerty say they are “heartbroken beyond belief” after their son tragically died yesterday. Alex, 19, died unexpectedly on Wednesday (January 15), after living his life with the rare condition called Microcephalic Primordial Dwarfism Type II (MPD).
Alex’s family set up the Walking With Giants Foundation in 2008 to support other families like themselves and look into the causes of MPD. During his life Alex, who stood at around two foot six inches, captured the hearts of people across Liverpool and further afield.
His family have paid an emotional tribute to him. His dad John posted to Facebook: “Sue and I are heartbroken beyond belief! Yesterday Alex, our handsome inspirational son unexpectedly and sadly passed away. Alex mum, dad, your brother Michael, sister Jess, nan Margaret and Grandad Alec and all your other family members and fried are at a loss and already we all miss you so so much.
“Since you were born you fought every day to live, you loved life and was starting to enjoy life to the fullest. We knew from early on that your life expectancy would be limited but you pushed your life expectancy to the extreme limits to the point we thought you would be with us forever!
Alex Connerty when he was about four(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“As parents, we are proud of bringing you into the world, we are proud of the way you overcame barriers in your daily life and more proud of the way you made everyone love you, due to your amazing personality, loving soul and kindred spirit.
“The following days, weeks, months and years to come are never ever going to be the same. They say time is a great healer but you were loved so much that there is not enough time in our lifetimes to get over your passing and the deep hole in our lives which has appeared, that will never be filled, even as that time goes by.
Alex Connerty pictured with Jamie Carragher in 2010(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“We also have many many happy memories that we can remember you by that could help the loss we have but with these memories come heartache as we cannot create new ones, which we want so much.
“Son, you are at peace now, hopefully meeting up with passed family members and more importantly attending the biggest gig in the sky with all your PD friends singing ‘All Together Now’. We always love you Alex. Your broken-hearted Mum, Dad and family.”