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Ali Brownlee

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For the triathlete, see Alistair Brownlee.
Ali Brownlee
Born1959
Middlesbrough, England
Died14 February 2016 (aged 56)
Linthorpe, England
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Radio presenter, author, publisher
Years active1982–2015
Known forCoverage of Middlesbrough F.C. for BBC Tees and Century FM

Alastair "Ali" Brownlee (1959 – 14 February 2016) was a British radio broadcaster best known for his coverage of Middlesbrough Football Club on BBC Tees from 1982 onwards. His connection to the club earned him the honorific "Voice of the Boro".[1]

Life and career

Brownlee was born on Byelands Street, Middlesbrough, close to the team's Ayresome Park ground. He attended school with comedian Bob Mortimer and began work as a bank manager before embarking on his media career.[1] He covered over 1,000 matches for the team, and also presented BBC Tees' breakfast show.[2] From 1995 to 2007, Brownlee and partner Bernie Slaven worked for commercial station Century FM (now Heart North East), before the rights to Middlesbrough's matches returned to the BBC.[3]

He owned the publishing house Linthorpe Publishing, writing and printing works on Middlesbrough F.C. with his friend Gordon Cox, with titles including The Road to Eindhoven and The Class of ’86.[2][3]

Brownlee was a fundraiser for charities including Sport Relief, Children in Need and the hospice Zoe's Place. He lived in Linthorpe, was married to Wendy, and had two daughters, Alison and Emily.[1]

Illness and death

Brownlee was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2015, informing his listeners of his condition. He continued his coverage of Boro – then pushing for a return to the Premier League – until December. In Middlesbrough's Football League Cup match against Everton at the Riverside Stadium, the fans put on a light show in solidarity with him, covered live by Sky Sports. He fought his disease for three months before his death at the age of 56, dying at home surrounded by his family.[2][1]

Middlesbrough F.C. chairman Steve Gibson mourned a "true friend", praising his career and charity, while former manager Tony Mowbray remembered his cheerful demeanour.[1] Tributes also came from neighbouring club Hartlepool United.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Voice of the Boro Ali Brownlee of BBC Tees dies". BBC News. 15 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Glover, Andrew (15 February 2016). "Ali Brownlee dead: Middlesbrough FC commentator passes away months after bowel cancer diagnosis". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  3. ^ a b Robson, Dave (10 July 2007). "End of an era for radio duo". Gazette Live. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
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