Rouse Hill Times star Blake’s memory alive at Kellyville centre

THE memory of waterskiing champion Blake Tickell is alive and well at Bernie Mullane Complex in Kellyville where he dedicated many years of training.

Blake Tickell is remembered on the memorial bench at Bernie Mullane sports complex. Picture: Angelo Velardo

• Blake Tickell's gift of life
• Tearful farewell for the "little legend"

THE memory of waterskiing champion Blake Tickell is alive and well at Bernie Mullane Complex in Kellyville where he dedicated many years of training.

Family and friends release 13 balloons at Bernie Mullane Complex to remember Blake Tickell. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Blake Tickell friend’s Jake Egles shares a memory of Blake at his memorial. Picture: Angelo Velardo

To honour his memory, The Hills Shire Council built memorials for Blake, including starting posts at the 1.2km track where he regularly ran and a garden seat bearing a plaque with his name and the Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star Award, which he won last year.

Darren, Cody and Simon Tickell open Blake Tickell's memorial bench and garden at Bernie Mullane sports complex, Kellyville. Picture: Angelo Velardo

A delighted Blake Tickell with his dad Darren with Rouse Hill Times JSS Award at Epping Club on November 2. Picture: Lawrence Machado

The council also planted several bird of paradise plants, which, in bloom, will turn the garden behind the seat into a burst of orange — Blake’s favourite colour.

During the official ceremony to unveil the memorial on Friday, Blake’s parents, Darren and Simone and younger brother Cody, 11, joined friends, gym instructors and Marian Catholic College mates to release 13 orange balloons after sharing fond memories of him.

Simone, Darren and Cody Tickell at the garden seat bearing the plaque of their late son and 2017 Rouse Hill Times JSS Star Blake Tickell. Picture: Lawrence Machado

“A gorgeous boy that centred this world with commitment and passion to anything he put his mind to, specially ski racing,” his mother Simone said.

“He had a love for everything, friends, family, animals, life and in his last few years, fitness and healthy eating, hence his little man pack.

Blake Tickell won the Australian and NSW waterski titles.

Blake Tickell's brother Cody, left, and Blake's friends at the unveiling of the memorial.

“When my boy left this world, he gave the gift of life to four very lucky people.

“His last four words to me were ‘I love you Mum’. I will carry that memory forever.”

Mr Tickell said: “In his short life, Blake touched so many people and he will always be my best mate.”

Cody said: “Blake was a great brother to me, loving, caring and supportive.

“He would always play with me and always helped me when I needed it.

“As typical brothers, we fought even if he always won.

“I love you Blake, forever and always.”