Trying to find the right words to describe how inspirational and well-loved Frank
Hawley was to many people across Warrington is difficult. And in the same vein,
Frank’s nephew – Andy – has set himself an incredible goal to honour Frank’s
memory and raise money for St Rocco’s Hospice.

Apart from being the ultimate family man, Frank dedicated his life to 3
communities: school, church and rugby.

“Whether it was his work as a teacher at Cardinal Newman, being an active
member of the St Peter’s parish or through rugby league, if you didn’t know Frank Hawley, it could be said that you weren’t a true Warringtonian!”

Frank taught at Cardinal Newman High School for 38 years and during that time,
inspired many children with his fair attitude and great sense of humour.

Through serving at St Peter’s parish, Frank helped many young people prepare for the sacraments and was a role model in how to live with compassion and kindness.

And from refereeing schoolboys’ rugby to making his first Wembley appearance in
1989, Frank officiated on the biggest games on the biggest stage with 4 challenge cup finals and 2 grand finals amongst his honours. Being a touch judge in all the major tournaments for a sport he loved so much was one of his proudest achievements.

Frank was a well-deserved Warrington Wolves Foundation Heart and Soul Community award winner, and his footprint lives on in the South Stand at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“In the final week of his life, we were so lucky that my uncle Frank (and the rest of the family) were supported
by the wonderful staff at St Rocco’s hospice. They couldn’t do enough to support us, and we can never repay
them."

“Whilst Frank was in St Rocco’s he stayed in the daffodil room. The night he passed away I came home to find one solemn daffodil blooming outside my door. It was an immediate reminder that, whilst he was no longer with us his memory and his values live within each of us. Frank gave his life to serve others and make everyone else the best versions of them they could be.”

Frank’s attitude towards his illness, his mental strength and true outlook on life were inspirational and to recognise this and celebrate Frank’s 3 communities in life, Andy is going to push his own strength and complete 3 incredibly tough challenges:

• The Great North Run on 10th September
• Warrington Running Festival Half Marathon on 24th September
• 3 x 3 x 3 Challenge (running 3 miles every 3 hours for 3 days) on
  1st to 4th November.
  
  • It is exactly 3 miles from Andy’s House to Frank’s house – another
    link to Frank’s 3 communities – and the first 23 runs of the
    challenge will see Andy running this journey. The final run will
    depart Frank’s house at 6pm and end at The Halliwell Jones
    Stadium, home of the Warrington Wolves, just in time for a big
    fireworks display.

Andy is hoping that some of Frank’s family, friends and colleagues will join him for each run in the 3 x 3 x 3 challenge to celebrate Frank’s life and raise as much money as possible. He is also planning more events this year including a Steps Challenge at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in October, a junior rugby match at Crosfield’s, and a finale party at the Kings Head in December.

"It costs St Rocco’s Hospice approximately £12,500 a day to operate and the need to raise enough money to cover 80% of this. I would love to raise enough money to pay for a day in honour of Frank.”

There are so many people that have helped The Frank Hawley Challenge come to life.
Joan Ayes has worked hard behind the scenes, setting up and running the event page
and helping Andy with the admin. Scan the QR code for more info, to register for any
of the events or to donate.

The following companies have sponsored the events, which has meant that Andy has
been able to concentrate on fundraising, and the support highlights how much the
family means to so many people:

JF Brickwork and Landscaping, Bathrooms by LV, SM Sports Therapy, EDAC Solutions,
Penketh Flooring, Peak Network Solutions, Sandstone Supplied UK, PDR Electrical Ltd.
and The King’s Head.

“If you remember Frank through any one of his passions in life, if he had a positive impact on you like he did on me, I would love it if you could join me and help make The Frank Hawley Challenge a fitting tribute to my uncle, my hero.”

"Happiness is what you should seek in life"

(Frank Hawley 1952 - 2023)