The 18-year-old, who passed away on Saturday after battling a rare genetic disorder, has been remembered as “a wee warrior who lit up every room he entered”
09:59, 18 Jan 2026Updated 09:59, 18 Jan 2026
The Duke of Sussex speaks with Blake McCaughey during the annual WellChild Awards 2023 at the Hurlingham Club in London. Picture date: Thursday September 7, 2023.(Image: )
A heartbroken mum has paid an emotional tribute to her “amazing” son, Blake McCaughey, who inspired countless people in his native Co Armagh and beyond with his courage and spirit.
Blake, 18, sadly passed away on Saturday. The Tandragee native had a rare genetic disorder and spread positivity and hope to those who met him, including Prince Harry.
The complex and incredibly rare genetic condition meant Blake had weakened muscles and couldn’t eat or drink. He was believed to be the only person in the world to have this combination of conditions which is so rare there is no single diagnosis, so no name for it.
Blake had been in and out of hospital his whole life and undergone hundreds of medical procedures including open heart surgery, the insertion of a feeding tube and an operation to separate his stomach from his liver.
Despite facing his own mobility struggles – which he faced while battling challenging health issues over the last six years – Blake walked a full mile back in May 2025, in memory of his friend Adam Watson, who sadly passed away from leukaemia in August 2022.
Prince Harry is given an ice hockey shirt by Blake McCaughey during the annual WellChild Awards 2023 at the Hurlingham Club in London. Picture date: Thursday September 7, 2023.(Image: )
The news of Blake’s death was shared by his mum, Christine, in an emotional tribute posted on social media on Saturday.
Christine paid an emotional tribute to the brave teenager as she described the unimaginable loss of her “beautiful, amazing, inspirational Blakey Boy”.
“Our beautiful, amazing, inspirational Blakey Boy. Today you left to us for heaven and you have left a pain I cannot describe,” she wrote.
“No warning, no words just goodbye my baby boy. 18 years you have called me mummy and I am the proudest mummy in the world to call you mine.”
“Your cheeky, smart comments and bad words will be missed in Tandragee and beyond,” she added.
“Go and be with Granda and your dog Rocco and look over us in the times ahead. You’ll never walk alone my boy. Our shining star.”
Blake McCaughey with the Belfast Giants hockey team(Image: )
Christine said Blake’s funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, and that the family home is currently open to close family and friends.
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister has also paid tribute to the “inspirational” teen. In a post on Facebook, Emma Little Pengelly said: “I am so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderful and inspirational young man, Blake McCaughey.
“My deepest condolences to his family, who so loved and cherished Blake and supported him to take up so many opportunities despite his health battles.
“My love and prayers to Christine, Andy, Pixie and Neil as they mourn their much loved son, brother and nephew. So many people had the honour of meeting Blake, and being inspired by him, including my husband Richard through his work.
“Blake was an incredible young man. I know many others will know Blake from seeing him on parade with his band and out and about, including at the Giants Ice Hockey games and so many other things too.
Blake McCaughey, from Tandragee in Co Armagh, passed away on Saturday, following a rare genetic disorder(Image: )
“He was clearly so deeply loved by so many and his inspirational life will leave such a legacy. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was among those to pay tribute to Blake as she hailed him as “a wee warrior who lit up every room he entered”.
“Today we have lost a wee superstar. Blake was such a special little man,” she said.
“He is known in many circles but especially for his passion for marching bands and for always being out parading with Portadown True Blues, it just won’t be the same seeing the band out without him there.
“I am utterly devastated for his family especially his mum and dad, and sister, Pixie, and the wider family circle. Blake faced so many trials in his short life, yet he never complained. He met every challenge with such courage and a smile, giving his whole heart to everything he did. He truly was a wee warrior who lit up every room he entered.
“Blake was a very blessed little boy to have a mummy, daddy, sister and Uncle Neil who loved and cared for him like a wee egg.
“I am so thankful to have known him and to have played even the tiniest part in his earthly journey. Sending you all so much love, strength and support.”
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