Kate Rackham, a cherished teacher and advocate, passed away on June 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed at the age of 39, Kate's journey was marked by resilience and a commitment to raising awareness for those affected by secondary breast cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire through a charity event and the dedication of a music room in her honor at St Joseph's Catholic Primary in Reddish, Stockport, where she taught for three years.
Kate's journey began with a breast cancer diagnosis, which eventually spread to other parts of her body. Despite her personal struggles, she remained a beacon of strength for her students and the community. Clare Baron, the head teacher at St Joseph's, described her as "kind of really cool," highlighting her unique impact on the school.
In 2021, Kate co-founded the Fighting To Be Heard foundation to amplify the voices of those battling secondary breast cancer. Her advocacy extended to social media, where she shared updates about her condition with 17,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Before her passing, she left a poignant message for her family to share online: "not to cry for me."
In tribute to her legacy, a charity club night named Listen Up Manchester was organized on January 25 to support the Fighting To Be Heard foundation. Mark Rackham, Kate's husband, expressed that the event was "just the sort of thing she would have loved." It brought together friends, family, and supporters to continue the mission she passionately championed.
Kate's daughters felt touched by the school's decision to dedicate a music room in her memory. One daughter remarked that Kate would "definitely have really liked a room dedicated to her." Another daughter voiced her appreciation for the school's acknowledgment, stating, "I think it's really good for the school to acknowledge my mum."
Mr. Rackham attended the dedication ceremony at St Joseph’s, expressing gratitude towards the school's gesture. He stated, "That's why I was keen to come along to the school to thank the children and the teachers who've been involved."
