Blake McCaughey: Loving farewell to inspirational teenager 'who could light up a room with his smile'

The inspirational teenager, who passed away on Saturday, January 17, was fondly remembered as a “shining star” in both the local community and much further afield who “could light up a room with his smile” and who showed strength and resilience as he enjoyed life to the full despite complex medical conditions.

His mum Christine shared how just very recently Blake had asked her: “Mummy, am I your angel?” adding that although many people were shocked to hear of his death, her boy had helped her to be ready for his passing.

Ballymore Parish Church was packed to capacity as Blake’s red-coloured coffin, draped with Liverpool FC and Belfast Giants’ shirts and Portadown True Blues Flute Band bannerette and cap, was carried in to the sound of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

Mourners were dressed in accordance to the wishes of Blake’s family “as he would have known them”, with representatives of the Belfast Giants among those gathered.

Archdeacon Elizabeth Cairns, rector of Mullavilly, said it was “a true honour” to see so many people, from so many walks of life, who knew Blake and loved him, at the service.

Blake’s sister Pixie spoke lovingly of the special bond they shared.

"Blake wasn’t just a brother, he was my best friend, my biggest supporter and my hero,” she said, adding that she felt “beyond lucky” to have been able to grow up with him by her side.

"One thing I am forever grateful for is how quickly Blake could change my mood. Even if I was having a hard day, seeing Blake and talking to him never failed to change my mood and put a smile on my face,” she said.

Wearing a colourful fleece that Blake had designed, Pixie spoke of how proud she was to be able to wear it on his final journey.

"Blake, you have shown me to never give up and shown me what a true gentleman looks like. You make me so proud and I am beyond grateful to be called Blake’s sister. I love you and always will.”

Blake’s uncle and godfather Neil shared how the past 18 years brought “more joy, more laughs and more memories” than he ever could imagine. He described his role in the teenager’s life as “an honour”, including sharing memories of being together at Portadown True Blues Flute Band parades and events, at the Belfast Giants ice hockey games, which he “will always treasure”.

Blake’s mum Christine spoke fondly of her “shining star”, a loving and mischievous boy who brought so much joy, laughter and pride into their lives.

She joked that from the minute he was born he had “one plan – to cause absolute and utter chaos and mayhem”.

“You entered the world sick, and within seconds had a room full of women running after you. Truthfully though, we all know that didn’t really change in these 18 years.”

Christine told how the family knew Blake was going to be special, but not how special he was going to be,

She shared how the strong bond between her children began when Blake was brought into the delivery suite just after Pixie was born.

"We put her into your arms and from that moment I knew she had the greatest gift of her life, and likewise you for her.”

Christine emotionally spoke of how, at his 18th birthday party, Blake danced with Pixie in a white dress “because secretly, you and I knew you wouldn’t be here for her wedding day.”

She said Blake taught his family to be strong.

“The Tandragee Five title won’t change because in this next stage we have the brightest star guiding us,” Christine said.

Referring to her son’s medical conditions, Christine said they “battled through some very tough times together” but that through every trial he would smile and say “You OK Ma?”

She spoke with fondness of the Ceara School community in Lurgan who she said, took her boy under their wing, nurturing “him into the young man he became” and how they cared for him like he was their own.

Directing her thanks to the school staff present at the service, Christine said: "As a family we are extremely grateful for the time you devoted to Blake”.

Christine described Blake as “kind and caring” but also “the most mischievous cheeky wee monkey who had the power to light up a room in a second and fill it with love and affection”.

She said it was hard to put into words the pride that they as parents, had for Blake.

"Every small achievement we celebrated and any excuse for a party. Over your 18 years you had parties like no other. We just did everything to celebrate you Blake, because in our eyes you weren’t disabled, you were just differently able and if that meant changing things up a bit to suit you, then we sure as heck made that happen.

"We lived this life with you Blake, like every single day was our last and for that I am so glad,” she said, referring to the many wonderful memories they made together “to keep us going in the rest of our journeys”.

"Blake, you were never to be pitied. You didn’t need pity from anyone because in this earth you lived life to the maximum.

“I used to laugh because Blake always got all these many extra gifts and extra things just because he was in a wheelchair and that was seen as a disadvantage. But seriously, that boy of ours was truly just sitting on his throne, being escorted to wherever he needed to be or wanted to be.”

Recalling how on July 11, 2013, Blake was presented with his own Portadown True Blues t-shirt and asked to join the band, Christine remembered he was “buzzing” and couldn’t wait to “walk them roads”.

She said he loved nothing more than meeting up with the band and parading all over Northern Ireland and was a most loyal member, joking that he would even “turn his head as if not to look” when the Portadown Defenders passed by.

"These are the things that will keep us going. Blake created our path and put it all in place so we could continue when he slipped on,” Christine added.

Addressing the Belfast Giants and Adam Keefe, “Blake’s own hero, his best friend, his idol”, Christine shared some of the special memories that they can look back on.

“Thank you for giving us something we all enjoyed. So boys, when you walk past Blake’s seat every game going forward before going on to that ice to fight for points and score goals, give Blake’s seat a wee fist pump and get on there and do him proud.

"He showed us what it was to fight, to get out there, we need you to do that for him.

"Take Blake on that ice with you and do him proud.

"The next part of our journey in this life won’t be easy without him, but knowing Blake is now in Heaven with my dad and his beautiful dog, Rocco, is bringing me some comfort.”

Christine said the “amazing” outpouring of love shown to Blake’s family since his passing showed the “massive impact” brought to the world.

“He never asked for materialistic gifts in this world, all he wanted was your love and your time.”

"He knew only the Tandragee Five – #T5 – could do the last 18 years with him. The love he showed me and the ability to give me strength will push me on. He showed me resilience, bravery, love and every stride of his life he did it with a smile, because he could see we were behind him.

"Whilst today is hard and not something I ever wanted to do, I knew Blake was only ever on loan to me. I knew our time would be shorter than my heart would ever deal with, but I knew he made it special, he would make it count.”

Holding back the tears, Christine added: “Blake, your legacy will grow. Your name will be forever spoken and I promise we will continue to do us proud.”

In the words of Blake, love you bye! Our boy, our hero, our Blake.”

Fighting back the tears, Christine concluded: “Just last week he said: ‘Mummy, am I your angel? I said ‘Blake, yes you are’.

"Everyone is saying it’s such a shock, it wasn’t really a shock to me. We had this prepared and planned. I was never going to be ready, he made me ready and for that I’m grateful.”