Alex spent three months in an induced coma whilst battling an undiagnosed condition. On the 1st of July our beautiful boy passed away.
Nelson / Tasman
On the 1st of July our beautiful boy passed away surrounded by love and family. We are having a memorial celebration for Alex on the 11th of July at the Rose Gardens in Stoke (11am). Anyone who knew Alex or was touched by his journey is welcome to attend.
Thank you so much to every single one of you for your generosity and support. We wouldn't have been able to keep going otherwise.
I have set up this page on behalf of my 18 year old brother Alex Renton. He has been in an induced coma at Wellington Hospital Intensive Care Unit since the 8th of April. Our family lives in Nelson and Alex is one of seven children. We are all taking turns at travelling to Wellington and being by his side.
Alex has just started a chef course at NMIT after finishing at Nayland College last year. He has played representative rugby for Nelson Bays since he was 14 and was selected for the Junior Makos last year. Alex's illness has been a complete shock to us all as he has always been healthy and active.
Alex has encephalitis which is inflammation of the brain and at this stage they believe this was caused by an autoimmune disease. This is a very rare condition and not a lot of information is available. Alex has had four different treatments and has yet to respond to them.
Last week Alex's sedation was lifted very briefly however the seizure activity was still ongoing so he has been sedated fully again.
It is very possible Alex will remain in a coma in the intensive care unit for several months. During this time Mum (Rose), Dad (Martin) and I along with other members of family will take turns at travelling to visit Alex to be by his side. Research has shown that coma paitents are often aware of what is going on around them therefore we feel it is important to be there as much as possible. We play Alex his favourite music every day and watch any rugby games that are on in his room with him (my attempt at a commentary is more like a comedy show however!).
This is a very stressful time for the whole family, including financially between not being able to work and the cost of travel. All support is greatly appreciated by us all.
Wow the generosity so far has been AMAZING! Thank you to all of you who have donated. This will go towards treatments for Alex's rehabilitation, family travel to Wellington, general household bills as Mum (Rose) is in Wellington full time and not working, and childcare for our five younger siblings who are still at home in Nelson.
If you wish to leave a message for Alex and/or the family I have created a Facebook page called Support for Alex's Journey which is linked here.
Finally I would like to mention the love and support so many of you have shown so far. Alex is a very special person who means a lot to many people. Every kind word puts a much needed smile on our faces, so thank you.
Jessie Renton
Alex's Mother
Alex's Memorial Celebration 9 July 2015
Our darling boy passed away on the 1st of July. He was peaceful and surrounded by family. On Saturday the 11th of July we will be holding a Memorial Celebration to remember all the wonderful times Alex blessed us with. It will be held at the Rose Garden in Stoke from 11am.
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