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Her experiences with the soldiers and their families are detailed in one of her five non-fiction books, Fifteen Days: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, Life and Death from Inside the New Canadian Army, which won the Governor-General’s Literary Award in 2008.

Many people called her “Blatch.” Even she did when signing off emails or starting phone conversations.

Photo by Stan Behal / Postmedia Network

Blatchford connected with people in her stories in unconventional ways. In some cases she would hug them and befriend them beyond the confines of journalism. At one extended trial, a witness became so attached to her he reached out to clasp her hand for support as he nervously walked up the aisle to testify.

Another, an adult survivor of childhood molestation, phoned her in the middle of the night after his testimony in court against his former teacher at Upper Canada College. He had become a cocaine addict after leaving home when his father didn’t believe him, he had said during two days on the stand.

On the phone at 1 a.m., he told Blatchford he needed money. How much, she asked. Seventy bucks, he answered. Blatchford told him her address and gave him $70 when he arrived at her doorstep.

She was a model for knowing how to put your faith in your truths and not worry about the backlash, not worry about how people respond Jen Gerson, former National Post correspondent

Although notoriously seen as “tough on crime” in her copy, she also once hired John Struthers, a Toronto lawyer, to defend a man charged with serious arson. “She believed in him,” Struthers said. “Christie had a very kind heart.” The man was acquitted and Blatchford helped him get back on his feet and find housing.

She was generous with colleagues, as well, especially those with less experience than herself.

She often spoke eloquently to a judge on behalf of the media in court or withered a court clerk reluctant to turn over public information. She shared sources or vouched for reporters with people who trusted her, even reporters with other news outlets. Sometimes.

She would frequently help young reporters, all the while exhibiting her renowned profanity.

Many journalists saw her as a role model.

“She was a model for knowing how to put your faith in your truths and not worry about the backlash, not worry about how people respond,” said Jen Gerson, a freelance journalist and former Post correspondent. “She was unafraid and unapologetic about her views. It was inspiring for me.”