'Lasting Legacy' campaign in honour of Tandragee teen Blake McCaughey aims to bring comfort, support and love to others
The family of inspirational Tandragee teenager Blake McCaughey, who passed away in January, has launched a campaign built on love to help others caring for children with complex medical conditions.
Blake is 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 various medical needs.
Speaking to mourners at her son’s funeral, Blake’s mum’s Christine said the “amazing” outpouring of love shown to the family demonstrated the “massive impact” he brought to the world.
She vowed that day that Blake’s legacy “will grow” and that his name “will be forever spoken”.
Now, in a heartfelt tribute to the much-loved 18-year-old, a special campaign has been set up to “turn Blake’s story into something that continues to bring comfort, support, and love to others”.
“On January 17, 2026, our beautiful son Blake gained his wings and left us for heaven,” said Christine.
"While our hearts carry a profound grief that words can never truly express, we have made a promise to turn that love for Blake into something that will help other families walking similar paths.
"After 18 years of living alongside Blake’s medical complexities, we understand the challenges, the exhaustion, the fear, the love, and the strength it takes for families caring for medically complex children. We also understand the devastating reality of loss and the deep need for support during grief.”
Christine said that “from this place of love”, the family has created Blake’s Lasting Legacy supported by a gofundme online page.
The goal is to support families in the community who are caring for medically complex children and those who, heartbreakingly, are navigating life after loss.
"Through Blake’s legacy, we hope to provide practical support, comfort, and meaningful moments for families who need it most,” she said.
The aim is to provide a variety of items and support, including memory boxes, sibling memory packs, family bereavement support. tubie tapes, medicine mats, medical equipment bags, family experiences, memory-making events and “so much more for families who need a helping hand”.
"Blake taught us so much in his 18 years - resilience, compassion, strength, patience, and unconditional love. Now we want to use everything we learned from walking this journey with him to help others who are facing similar challenges,” said Christine.
Special pin badges incorporating Blake’s love for the Belfast Giants and Portadown True Blues Flute Band have been created and a ‘Blake’s 18 miles for 18 years’ event around Craigavon Lakes launched – with more fundraising activities to follow.
"We cannot do this alone,” said Christine.
"As a community, we are asking for your support to help keep Blake’s memory and legacy alive, while improving resources and providing support for families who need it most.
"We have many fundraising ideas and plans ahead, and we would be so grateful for the support of our friends, family, and wider community as we begin this journey.
“Blake’s legacy will live on through every family we help.”