Matlock: Former wife pays tribute to the life of Alexander Blick

Matlock Murder: More floral tributes are laid at the scene where the body of Alexander Blick was discovered in the grounds of Matlock library last Sunday.

Alexander Blick was a “fantastic boxer” with military ambitions, charming personality and brilliant looks, his former wife Tara Blick has told the Mercury.

Born in Portsmouth on June 3, 1969, Alex was the only child to Maureen and Anthony Blick.

His father held a high position in the Royal Navy and Alex had high hopes of following in his footsteps. Alex was a Navy cadet from age 8 to 17 and had secured himself a place in the Marines.

“When Alex was 17 he had a very serious motorcycle crash, though, which left him with a near paralysed leg for two years,” said Tara.

“It did get better with time, but his ambitions to join the Royal Marines were over as there was lasting damage.”

Tara and Alex became an item in 1997 and had their only child, Harry, in 1999.

The couple got married in Las Vegas and honeymooned in Barbados after the ceremony. They parted ways a few years after, as Alex had an alcohol problem.

Alex had moved to Derbyshire in a bid to sort out his alcohol problem, though.

Tara said: “His last letter to me from him was wishing for a normal life and a chance to get to know Harry better. He was very proud of the young man Harry was turning into and watching his amateur boxing career develop in London. Unfortunately we all know the rest.

“I would like to thank the people of Matlock and in particular the people from the local church Alex attended and received support from and of course the Matlock Mercury for letting me put a tribute to Alex he will always be missed but never forgotten.”