With the passing of Alex Hills, CPRE Kent have lost a champion

We are desperately sorry to have to announce that Alex Hills, one of CPRE Kent’s most passionate and determined campaigners, has died.

Alex was the chairman of our Gravesham committee, which had only been re-established some six years ago thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of Alex and his colleagues in north-west Kent.

How he found the time for another demanding role was anyone’s guess – his enthusiasm and love of the outdoors and wildlife knew no bounds as he shared his talents with other groups such as Cycling UK and the West Kent Badger Group, where he was a committee member.

Alex was a leading force in many campaigns ranging from the fight to save the Swanscombe peninsula from the ravages of a theme park to becoming one of Thames Crossing Action Group’s most active and knowledgeable members. Indeed, he became the go-to man for local TV and radio when, as it so often was, the saga of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing was featured in the news.

In June this year, Alex received national recognition for his volunteer work with CPRE Kent when we learnt during Volunteers’ Week that he had been chosen for the Everyday Excellence Award.

The national CPRE website said at the time: “Alex has had to overcome enormous challenges and knock backs over the years yet even in the face of adversity he continues to serve the countryside and support CPRE Kent with positivity. He is a true inspiration to us all.”

Andrea Griffiths, CPRE Kent director, added: “In August last year, Alex was diagnosed with cancer, but he somehow continued to work as much as he could, continuing to attend meetings and keeping up to speed with the LTC and other campaigns, even during a 25-day stay in hospital and the initial two months’ recovery!

“In short, Alex is a powerhouse and has been invaluable to CPRE Kent and other organisations. He is wholly deserving of his award and CPRE Kent are most grateful to him.”

Tragically, that cancer was to take Alex’s life way before his time and he passed last month at the age of 61.

CPRE Kent, the county’s countryside and its wildlife have lost a champion and a friend. We will miss him.