Alex Brooker

Alex Brooker is a role model and inspiration for people of all ages and backgrounds, but particularly for those with disabilities. He has attained huge success as a journalist and is renowned as a writer and television presenter.

He was born with hand and arm disabilities and without a bone in his lower right leg. His right foot was amputated when he was 13 months old. This allowed him to wear a prosthetic and gain greater mobility.

Born in May 1984 in Croydon, Alex attended a mainstream infant and primary school, where despite it being a challenge, he felt included in everything by his teachers.

In 2003, Alex joined LJMU as a journalism student. During his studies, Alex worked as a part time junior sportswriter for the Liverpool Echo.

Head of Journalism, Jackie Newton, described Alex at LJMU as: “Indomitable, fun and immensely popular."

“We were privileged to have an early glimpse of the qualities that would win over huge sections of the discerning public. There’s no façade with Alex, he is wonderfully true to himself and to the many people he represents.”

Alex has maintained links with LJMU and provides many positive opportunities for current students.

In recognition of his personal commitment and dedication to redefining the presence of disability, Alex was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2019.

Alex graduated in 2006 and went on to work for the Liverpool Echo before becoming a sports journalist at the Press Association.

In 2011, Alex appeared on screen for Channel 4, reporting in ‘That Paralympic Show’. He went on to be an athletics reporter in 2011, and then a football reporter in 2012 at the BT Paralympic World Cup.

Alex auditioned for Channel 4’s Half Million Quid Talent Search – whose aim was to find new disabled talent for the 2012 Paralympics. He was successful and featured in the Paralympics Opening Ceremony watched by 11 million people. His first ever experience on live national TV was interviewing David Cameron – no pressure, then, given that only eleven million people were watching.

Alex combined his work at the Press Association with Channel 4 until finally leaving when he was confirmed for the Channel’s line-up for the Paralympic coverage.

Alex was joint chief writer on the official guide to the 2012 Paralympics, which included comprehensive venue and sports guides, facts and figures, features on key athletes to look out for in London and a glimpse back at the most memorable moments from past games. He has been a part of the Paralympic TV coverage at each event since 2012.

He is probably now best known as co-presenter on the award-winning TV show ‘The Last Leg’. Originally a one-off series for the 2012 London Paralympics, the show attracted a growing audience of loyal fans and has been aired ever since. The show features an irreverent take on politics, news and sport. Alex has been praised as ‘a model of how to talk normally to a politician – and make them talk normally back’.

Alex presented his own documentary for Channel 4, entitled ‘Alex Brooker: My Perfect Body’ – examining the world of male body image and exploring how men really feel about their figures.

Away from his broadcasting work, in which he has dismantled barriers to disabled talent, he is an ambassador of the disability charity Scope UK, appearing in national campaigns and raising funds. He has provided mentoring for young disabled people through an employment service, sharing valuable advice. He has inspired millions with his positive message saying:

“Don’t be afraid of your disability. That’s who you are. It’s who I am. My hands are part of me – I can’t go into an interview with a pair of mittens on hoping they don’t notice! Be confident. You’ve got something that no one else has, I promise you.”

Hugely positive about his time at LJMU and in the city, sadly he wasn’t converted to our way of thinking on football, remaining an avid Arsenal fan.

Alex said at the time of receiving his Honorary Fellowship: ‘I genuinely still think of Liverpool as my home and that it’s the greatest city in the world. I try to go back every chance I get. If I had my way I’d probably still live there!’.