Young cancer fighter Alexander Rhodes passes away after brave battle

GEORGE NEWS - Alexander Rhodes, the young teenage cancer sufferer who inspired so many people in the George community with his resilient and generous spirit, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday 20 May.

His mother, Marelize, said his gentleness of spirit and humour remained till the end. “He was weak, but still joked with the pastor who came to pray for him on the day before his death.

“Although it is absolute torture to have witnessed our young son’s pain, which he had to endure for so long, and we are still struggling to understand the ‘why’ behind it, we are comforted in the knowledge that he has had a huge impact on so many people’s lives,” Marelize told George Herald this morning.

Alexander was an active 11-year-old, enthusiastic about life, when he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in September 2023, an extremely aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer. He underwent two successful brain surgeries a year apart, but when the tumour returned a third time, the risk of surgery was too high and he went on a treatment programme tailored for him by a team of specialists. The tumour eventually caused Alexander to lose his sight in September last year.

Marelize says despite everything, he remained incredibly brave and positive and looked away from himself, focusing on what he could do to bring joy to other children battling cancer.

In December last year, with the help of his mother and some generous donors, he and his family handed out Christmas presents to a large number of these children.

Alexander in January 2025. Photo supplied

Alexander passed Grade 7 at Holy Cross Primary last year and at the beginning of this year enrolled at York High, but never attended class. Marelize says the school went out of their way to prepare a place for him and accommodate him as a blind learner.

Messages of condolences honouring Alexander - also on social media - and gifts and flowers have been streaming in since his passing.

“The messages so clearly reflect the impact that he had on people’s lives. He was an inspiration. People knew his story, saw his fight and experienced his kindness,” says Marelize.

In light of the many trees that George lost during the storms and the overwhelming response from people since Alexander’s death, an idea was born in the family’s hearts. They are asking that, instead of flowers or gifts, people would rather sponsor a new tree to be planted in the Botanical Garden where about 300 trees were lost.

Their idea is that a forest of 100 trees be established in remembrance of Alexander. Trees will be geotagged with a personal message from each donor.

A precious moment with his family, sister Avia, dad William, mom Marelize and brother Arthur. Alexander, a 2.2m tall teen, was to turn 14 on 26 June. Photo supplied

Alexander's Wish non-profit company

She said a process was also put in motion before Alexander’s death to establish the non-profit company called Alexander’s Wish. It will be for the benefit of children with cancer. The September Spring Cake Fair held to raise funds to help with his medical expenses will continue annually to contribute to this fund and to help a child fighting childhood cancer in the community.

If you wish to donate a tree in Alexander’s honour, please contact Marelize on 076 529 6753.

Alexander leaves behind his mother, father William, sister Avia and brother Arthur.

A remembrance service will be held on Thursday 4 June at the George Methodist Church.

Recovering after one of his brain surgeries. Photo supplied