Lee Blake #41

[Baldy]

Hi all, I paste this notice from David Wark, former CEO of the Norwood Football Club regarding Lee Blake. I do so with the approval of Lees family and David. Baldy

Footy friends

I have just spoken with Sheree Blake - Lee's wife. She rang to let me know that Lee has been admitted to a hospice this afternoon and they both hold little hope of ever leaving. I suggested to her that it is time to allow people to express their feelings for a man who has stared down his cancer a couple of times but now accepts that his opponent this time is 'too big and too strong'. Until now they wanted Lee's siuation to remain private.

He inspired many of us for his courage, love of his mates and passion for football and particularly the Norwood Football Club.

Blakey is a champion bloke who has never asked for a thing but gave so many pleasure from his wit, friendship and great loyalty.

It may be the last quarter for him but while we can please assist in providing him with some comfort of knowing that he is loved by more than he currently appreciates.

I offered to Sheree to provide my email address and mobile number should you wish your comments to remain personal - naturally I will forward any messages straight to Sheree for her to read to Lee. They do not have access to the internet in his room.

david.wark@aflact.com.au
0411 744 799

[JK]

[Wedgie]

What a tragic week. Awful news. Im sure all our thoughts and love are with Lee, his family and friends.
A truly insperational young man.

[rod_rooster]

Couldn't have said it better Wedgie. Terrible week.

[smac]

Shattering.

[southee]

Very sad.

I wish all his family and friends the best in what surely is a tough time.

Good luck champ!!

[SDK]

A quality most Australians admire above all else .......GUTS !

[fester69]

Not only Guts but also humility, quality bloke, my guts are churning. Not too proud to say I have shed a tear or two tonight!

[am Bays]

Well I hope the Norwood footy club players can draw on some of his courage when they play Port tomorrow. I'm tipping it will provide him with quite a bit of joy and comfort if his mates get up tomorrow.

[bayman]

sad when a young life is taken away for whatever reason, i would think that those who believe will be praying for you & i hope a miracle may happen & all my sentiments are the same as all the above posters

[Big Phil]

So sad for him and his family, naturally...

Our thoughts are with them in this difficult time...

Big Phil...

[Thiele]

my thoughts go out to him and his family

[mal]

Words cannot describe the way I feel.
Ive seen Lee play, a player of enourmous talent and obvious courage in adversity.
I donate to the Cancer Care association annually and thats how Ive been contributing against this ghastly disease which too often prematurely ends too many lives.

[OCT]

I dont know the lad but wasn't he the player that did make a comeback whilst in remission ? My apologies if I have this wrong.

With all due respect to Port , COME ON NORWOOD tomorrow night show the same courage as this young man has.

My sincere best wishes to all Norwood supporters ( and of course his family ) tomorrow night , I really hope you win for him.

[cd]

I believe i'm right when i say the lad was chaired off at Woodville Oval after a game when tackling the disease a few years ago. Was very emotional for all at the ground.

This has been a sad week for the SA football community with the news re young Sam at SAFC and now Lee at NFC.

Hopefully Lee and his family draw strength in knowing that we as a community do care and all our most positive thoughts go to them.

Likewise our thoughts go to Sam's family and friends and all at SAFC.

[darley16]

What a dreadfully sad week for 2 of our young men of the SANFL. Both Lee and Sam fine footballers and more importantly quality people from loving families.

[Dogwatcher]

G&D personified.

[JK]

I reckon most of these comments of support will make it back to Lee, so good on you lads, as Darley said so well, sad week for SA footy all around.

To try and pick a positive out of it all, whilst we all go in to bat for our clubs it's great that users of forums like this all keep sight of the bigger picture, we should all feel proud about that.

[BJ Ernest]

Met Lee once last season when he went to Yankalilla to play with Ryan Lewis. Great guy to play against and the one time i met him was a top bloke.

My thoughts are with his family and friends! A sad week for footy indeed!!

[Bluedemon]

he is an inspiration to anybody, no matter if you are involved with sport or not. to once come back from where he was to play footy was great, hope you can do it agian Lee.