Phillip Hughes: Family’s moving tribute to late cricketer as new doco marks tenth anniversary

The family of Phillip Hughes have paid a heartfelt tribute to their son and revealed their hope that the beloved cricketer’s story will endure as an inspiration to future generations.

The family of Phillip Hughes have paid a heartfelt tribute to their son and revealed their hope that the beloved cricketer’s story will endure as an inspiration to future generations.

Today marks the 10-year-anniversary of the former Australian cricket star’s tragic passing, and his mother Virginia, father Gregory, brother Jason, sister Megan and their respective families have thanked the Australian cricket community for sharing in their love of Phillip, their “treasured son and brother.”

A moving new documentary called, ‘The Boy From Macksville’ will be released next week on day one of the second Test in Adelaide, and the Hughes family have expressed their wish that the uplifting life story of the humble country kid who captured the imagination of the country, and indeed the world as a Test match star, will showcase to people everywhere “that dreams really do come true.”

Former Australian batsman Phillip Hughes raises his bat and helmet in celebration after scoring a century against Sri Lanka. Picture: AFP

“Phillip was a loving, humorous and an infectious person to be around. He always aimed to make those around him smile and enjoy the little things in life, where his beautiful smile would come to life. He shined bright even in the tough times, which is a testament to who he was as a person, and we loved everything about him. He was the light of our lives,” the Hughes’ family statement reads.

“Phillip had a profound love for his family and lived his life with respect to everyone around him.

“Phillip, the small-town country boy, became an Australian Test, One-Day and Twenty-20 cricketer, where he played on the toughest pitches around the globe, alongside the toughest of cricketers on the world stage, but never forgot where he came from and who helped along the way.

“He was a unique individual that took risky and adventurous strides to conquer the dreams he set for himself to become test baggy green number 408. He played cricket for all the right reasons and had the ability to take it all in his stride.

“He loved being a part of a team and representing Australia for the game he loved so deeply.”

Phillip Hughes’ family on the family farm at Macksville (from left)Jason, Greg, Virginia and Megan with Phillip's cricket bats and Baggy Green. Picture: Nathan Edwards

The documentary, ‘The Boy From Macksville’ will be broadcast on Fox Sports, Kayo, Channel 7 and Cricket Australia’s platforms on December 6 and will serve as a compelling celebration of a special life.

There is captivating, never-before-seen footage of Phillip’s life.

“The number of stories, laughs shared, phone calls and conversations wouldn’t be able to be told over a quick drink at the local pub, which leads us to having the opportunity nine years ago to create the official biography of Phillip – ‘Phillip Hughes The Official Biography’ that gave us the pleasure of sharing more about who Phillip was,” the statement reads.

“Those pages consisted of his journey from his childhood to his final legacy of 63 NOT OUT*.

Phil Hughes was a rising star in Australia’s Test team. Picture: Getty Images

“Ten years on, a documentary – ‘The Boy from Macksville’, will be shared alongside Cricket Australia, who we’d like to thank for supporting this endeavour and each person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for creating a celebration of Phillip’s life. We hope we have been able to showcase that dreams really do come true and you will enjoy seeing his family, friends and teammates give more of an insight into his career from his baggy blue, baggy red, baggy green and many more moments in-between including unseen footage that can be watched for generations to come.

“We hope between the biography and documentary, young cricketers around the world and everyone that was with Phillip along the way, will see the hardworking, dedicated, devoted and rare cricketer he was.”

It is exactly 10 years to the day since Phillip’s tragic death was confirmed and an entire nation grieved alongside the Hughes family, who had lost a dear son and brother and extraordinary human being.

The Hughes family said they’re proudest of the person Phillip was.

“His extraordinary talent is known by many but his lasting impression of who he was as a person will always be remembered, which makes us extremely proud of him,” the statement read.

“Phillip was always proud of the younger cricketing generation he met along the way and was always hoping he could be an inspiration, no matter where you were from and that is also our hope.

“Cricket gave Phillip the stepping stone to start a new adventure of Four O Eight Angus, named after his proud baggy green Test cap number. Black Stud Angus Cattle farming back in our hometown of Macksville, where he loved the land and his animals and would tell anyone who would listen. The business was built on dedication and it’s a testimony to how high he climbed. He loved to symbolise his cricketing journey in his farming career as a tribute, which still stands proud today.

Australian batsman Phillip Hughes scored three centuries and seven 50s in his 49 Test innings. Picture: AFP

“Phillip loved Macksville and the local surrounding towns, where he was able to come back throughout his cricketing years and felt right back at home.”

Cricket will pause today to remember one of its favourite sons.

Phillip Hughes’ legacy will never be forgotten and his family are grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received.

“We want to share our appreciation to everyone who has respected our privacy and wishes throughout the last decade and continuing to do so at this time. Thank you for being on this journey with Phillip, he loved taking everyone along with him on this ride, living out his childhood dreams,” the statement read.

“It is essential for us to express our heartfelt thanks, sincere gratitude and appreciation to our extended family and friends, our hometown of Macksville and surrounding towns, to the wider cricketing community in Australia and overseas and the farming community.

“Phillip, we love you, we miss you and we are forever proud of you. We think about you every day and we are so thankful you were ours. Thank you for being the most extraordinary son and loving brother.”

Originally published as Phillip Hughes: Family’s moving tribute to late cricketer as new doco marks tenth anniversary