Over the weekend, members of the local community came together to honour Old Waconians Kate and Archie Vokes, by taking on the ‘Big Vokesey Challenge’.
In 2023, Archie ran an incredible 100km to raise funds for the awareness, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Archie had ambitious plans for November 2024 – he intended to run a marathon every weekend throughout the month. Sadly, in December of 2023, both Archie and his mother Kate lost their lives in a tragic accident.
In memory of both Kate and Archie and in honour of Archie’s dedication to the cause, ‘The Big Vokesey Challenge’ was organised by Ben and the team at Form Manchester, the gym where Archie had been working as a Personal Trainer.
CHS staff members, Old Waconians, parents and current pupils were pleased to join in to run, walk, volunteer or simply cheer on those participating in a 10k, half marathon, and marathon. The event raised £25,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Mrs Caroline Dunn, Senior Deputy, said: “Ben and the rest of the organising team created an extraordinary event that, I believe, will become a cherished annual celebration to honour two amazing people.
“What will stay with me is the deep and powerful sense of connection I felt amongst the former CHS students.
“We are immensely proud of everything our students achieve at CHS and beyond, but what filled me with the most pride on Saturday, as I caught up with their news and adventures since leaving School, was what remarkable human beings they are.”
In June 2024, Kate and Archie were awarded the Old Waconian Contribution Awards – read about it here.
