Tributes to Alex Blackwell, a much-loved member of the Harborough Mail family and the local community

We are sad to announce the death of a much-loved member of the Harborough Mail family and the local community, Alex Blackwell.

Alex, 40, was known by many across the district for his personable approach and was involved in many community events during his time at the paper.

He lived in and around the area for all his life and said he always wanted to work for the Harborough Mail.

After taking a post graduate diploma in journalism at De Montfort University, he got his wish in 2004 when he was offered a job as trainee reporter at the Harborough Mail and worked his way up to the top seat. He left in 2015 but helped out doing work for the paper and many of our sister titles over the past few years.

His former editor, Brian Dodds, said that Alex was a very popular member of the team and he will be missed by many across Harborough.

"Alex came to the paper in 2003 to do work experience for two weeks while training as a journalist and he really impressed us," he said.

"After he qualified as a reporter, he applied for a job at the paper and started as a trainee reporter in 2004.

"He told me that the only job he wanted was at the Harborough Mail and he worked his way up from trainee reporter to senior reporter, then deputy editor and after that he effectively ran the paper.

"He was a very professional and likeable person who was part of a great team.

"He looked back on his days at the Harborough Mail as the best days of his working life."

Talking about Alex's love for the town, Brian added: "He made many friends in Harborough and really became part of the community.

"Alex threw himself wholeheartedly into community events such as the carnival and used to dress up for the occasion - he went as Darth Vader one year."

Alex had a great love of tennis and football, and was a big Liverpool fan.

His parents, Peter and Chris, said he loved his time at the Harborough Mail.

In his final paper before he left, Alex wrote: “For me, working at the Mail and writing about this beautiful town of Market Harborough – my home for the past six years – has been much more than just a job. It’s felt like a calling.

“Our loyal and passionate readers who clearly care deeply about the town have always inspired and driven me to do better.

“I would like to thank the two editors I’ve worked for – Brian Dodds and Neil Pickford – who have both guided me over the years.

“But mainly, I would like to thank you, the readers, who have always – rightly – demanded thorough, accurate and incisive reporting while trying to shed light in dark corners.”

Another of Alex's former editors at the Harborough Mail, Neil Pickford, said: "I was truly shocked to hear the terribly sad news that Alex had died.

"Alex was my deputy editor during my time as editor of the Harborough Mail.

"He was a talented journalist, with a strong work ethic and a real passion for covering Market Harborough and the surrounding area.

"Alex was fearless in his questioning of those who were responsible for injustice, and many times stood up for those in the community who were unable to stand up for themselves.

"After leaving JPIMedia, Alex had continued to work with us as a freelancer, and news of his death has shocked many people within the company.

"For me personally, Alex was a superb deputy. He was hard-working and not afraid to challenge decisions he did not agree with.

"He will be much missed and I send my condolences to his many friends and family."