Meet Andy Hawley
Why did you decide to support St. Rocco's?
The question really is, why not? St. Rocco’s has supported and cared for so many families across Warrington for the last 40 years and given families hope and love in the most difficult of times.
We witnessed this first hand in March 2023 when we lost my Uncle, Frank Hawley. Frank was my hero, my Uncle, another Dad, my mentor and so much more rolled into one. I wasn’t special though, Frank treated everyone in the same way. He was so well loved across the town through his many different roles in the community. Be that through his work as a teacher at St John’s and Cardinal Newman for over 40 years or his role as a match official in Rugby League. Frank was one of the games top match officials appearing in 4 rugby league Challenge Cup Finals and 2 Grand Finals.
St. Rocco’s showed us all so much dignity and support during his final week and we can never repay them. Frank always wanted the best for others and gave his life to ensure that everyone around him became the best versions of themselves. It is a privilege and honour to keep his memory alive in our charity work for St. Rocco’s and ensures that he continues to impact the lives of the community of Warrington.
What is your previous dancing experience and how are you feeling about dancing?
This is probably the most daunting experience of my life, dancing is not a strength. Have you ever seen Les Dawson playing the piano? All the right notes, just not necessarily in the right order? Well, that could be my performance on the big night. In fact, I’ll settle for that! It’s quite amusing as one of my cousins appeared in the West End for over 20 years in Phantom of the Opera and her sister runs a dance school in Preston and I’ve honestly got two left feet. I haven’t been getting any sneaky lessons in yet, but I might have to reach out!
What are you hoping the experience of dancing for St. Rocco's is going to be like?
Having been a guest judge a couple of years ago; I just hope that we get to have as much of a laugh as the contestants did that year. Although there were lots of nerves backstage, you could see how much the group had bonded, and they had a real laugh and joke together. I want to do the best I can but I’m just hoping to enjoy the experience and raise as much money as I can for such a worthwhile cause.
