OKG Community Support
Charlie Jackson (OKG18)
Charlie Jackson (OKG18) is taking on a month-long fitness challenge to help more people access vital health care services. With the goal of raising as much as possible for The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), Charlie has committed to run 100km during October.
"This is a big country, and for those living in remote, rural and regional areas, access to immediate care isn't a guarantee. For some communities, the nearest hospital is eight hours drive away," Charlie says.
"Every year, the RFDS reaches more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary healthcare services. That's one person every two minutes."
Having already completed a Bachelor of Science, Charlie is now studying nursing at The University of Newcastle. He recently visited RFDS bases at Broken Hill and Alice Springs and is joining in the campaign "to keep the Flying Doctors flying" by participating in the RFDS Oceans to Outback event.
"The facility at Alice Springs has an old, retired plane on display, so the public can see the conditions in which the doctors work."
Track Charlie's progress and show your support via the RFDS Oceans to Outback site.
Brian Shaw (OKG75)
"Going through school in the 1960s and 70s, a time when not a great deal was known about a disease called Neurofibromatosis (NF), my family and I went through regular difficult periods. Even now, at aged 66, I am still having surgery to remove various begin tumours.
The Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia (CTF) now supports and assists families and carers of people, especially children, who like me have NF. The disease affects up to one in 2500 people and, in addition to mostly benign tumours on the peripheral nerves, NF also causes learning difficulties, and at worst, malignant tumours on the brain. NF comes in three main forms, with NF1 being the most common.
Over the last 25 years, I have actively supported the CTF, raising close to $25,000, and for the past five years, I have been on their Community Advisory Panel, where we discuss issues and strategies.
The support CTF offers is so valuable, as it reassures those living with NF and their families of the possibilities that are available to assist in nearly all aspects of their lives. With limited government funding, donations help immensely. This is why I will be participating in Conquer NF in Colour which is to be held at Wenworth Park on 24 November 2024.
Any support is greatly appreciated."
Brian Shaw (OKG75)
Donations to CTF can be made via Brian's page on the Conquer NF in Colour website. Brian notes, you can also register to participate, join, or form a work team. More information about NF and the CTF can be found on the CTF website.
Knox United Retro Round - June 2024
Knox United's Annual Retro Round was held on the weekend of 29-30 June in support of the Black Dog Institute.
To raise money and awareness, and to encourage conversations on mental wellbeing, KUFC teams played in retro jerseys for the round.
Thank you to the Old Boys who supported this initiative at NTRA.
Congratulations to the winners of the Raffletix prizes!
Tom Grant (OKG07)
Tom Grant (OKG07) and fellow NSW Police Officer, Jack Fletcher, recently completed the Shitbox Rally 2024 in honour of their late friend and colleague, Senior Constable Matt Rees, who died from cancer, aged 31.
In a car worth less than $1,500, Tom & Jack drove from Melbourne to Alice Springs, to raise money for cancer research.
The duo, participating in the Rally under the team name of 'Well Thanks, Yourself?', have raised more than $8,500 to date.
Visit the campaign page for more details and to donate before the campaign closes (6 July 2024).
Andy Kaye (OKG95) - Ride2Give
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National construction and fit out business FDC hosts an annual charity bike ride called Ride2Give. 2024's event was a 3-day tour from Young NSW to Canberra, with rest and philanthropic stops in regional communities along the ride.
FDC selected Boys to the Bush (BttB), a fast-growing youth preventive intervention charity operating in regional NSW and Victoria, as charity partner for the event, so it was only fitting that keen cyclist Andy Kaye (OKG95) participated in the 500k+ event as Chair of Boys to the Bush Board. Through the amazing efforts of 65 riders, supporters and donors $415,555 was raised for BttB, with an additional $30,000 distributed to local community groups along the ride.
Since 2017, BttB has impacted thousands of young lives through a range of programs which offer practical points of connection between at-risk youth and their regional community. These include 1:1 MENtoring Programs, Camps and early intervention School Programs.
Andy, Chair of Boys to the Bush since 2020 says "I'm so proud to be involved with Boys to the Bush. We support disengaged boys and young men to find their spark and take control of lives that may have been marked by early years of trauma."
"We're in 11 communities now but demand is huge; with requests for us to be in 35 regional locations by 2030 so I'm keen to spread the word among the Old Boy community."
For more information, visit the BttB website or watch this video.
Lachlan Kean Foundation
Twenty-five Old Boys were among 155 people who braved torrential rain to participate in the Lachlan Kean Foundation's (LKF) first event, a Golf Day at St Michael's Golf Club on 5 April. The LKF was established in memory of Lachlan Kean (OKG04) who passed away in September 2023, at the age of 37, after losing his battle with bowel cancer
"Lach loved his golf, and more importantly bringing people together for a fun day out, so it was only fitting that this was the kick-off event for the Foundation," said one of the event organisers, Andrew Barham (OKG04).
The mission of the Lachlan Kean Foundation is to raise awareness and normalise screening for young adults with bowel cancer and to find this disease in its critical early stages to enhance survival.
"Furthermore, we wish to help raise funds to not only support further research into this disease, but to also subsidise and assist those adults under the age of 45 who are not yet covered by current schemes."
"We had possibly the wettest conditions possible, with a classic Sydney rain bomb hitting the coast that morning, but pleasingly the course held up well and everyone was in great spirits playing in the challenging conditions."
The day, involving 124 golfers with others joining for a two-course lunch, was strongly supported by Lachie's Knox mates and the extended Knox community. Two of the major event sponsors were the businesses of Old Boys from the Class of 2004, namely Jim Wilson Constructions (James Wilson) and R&G Constructions (Sam Rennie & Jeremy Grose), with many others donating prizes for the raffle.
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More than $40,000 was raised on the day through golf, merchandise and the selling of raffle tickets for prizes generously donated by many in the close network. It brings the total raised by the LKF so far this year to almost $100k, which includes the initial gofundme page, as well as donations received from the OKG04 group at their recent 20 year reunion.
The golf winners on the day were all OKG04 boys: Chuck Anderson, Rob Barnum, James Wilson and Chris Sullman.
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L-R: Chuck Anderson, James Wilson, Jenny Kean (Lachie's mum), Chris Sullman, Simon Bryan (OKG04)
L-R: Cam Ellis, Stu Orr, Myles Taylor, Brennan Latimer (all OKG05)
Marty Trembath and Angus Pragnell (OKG 03)
What's coming up for LKF?
Sydney Marathon – LKF are proud Gold charity partners for the Marathon on 14 September 2024. (visit the grassrootz site). Entry tickets are still available for anyone who missed out and wants to run and fundraise for LKF. Please email LKF via info@lachlankeanfoundation.org for a ticket.
Inaugural Ball Event @ the Ivy Ballroom – 21 September 2024. Tickets will be released shortly. Stay tuned by following LKF on Instagram
To learn more about Lachie's story and the LK, visit the LKF website
Take one more step
Alexander Glover (OKG11) is walking unsupported around Australia for men's mental health and suicide prevention. The ethos of Alex's walk is "wait one more minute, take one more step".
To encourage people to share their struggles as a positive step forward, Alex is inviting people to chat with him as he walks.
Follow Alex's journey (which began in Kiama on 21 January) on Instagram or Facebook. See also Alex's gofundme page which Alex has set up to assist people he may meet along the way who need help, and in case of funding any emergencies which might arise.
Don't forget, our Old Boys for Old Boys program supports OKGs and their families facing challenging times. Contact Emily Morris for a free, confidential conversation (Email | 0406 885 674)
Thank you Class of '94
"Thank you for the flowers my dad received on Saturday in hospital. The Kok family appreciate the kind gesture. The Knox community has been really supportive and thoughtful since they found out my dad was not feeling well. That's the Knox spirit I know and am glad to be part of. A special thank you to Pip Jenkinson (OKG94) for organising."
Paul Kok (OKG94) February 2024
The Sony Foundation will celebrate 25 years of the Children's Holiday Camp Program (affectionately known as "Sony Camps") next year (2024). Ahead of this anniversary, the Foundation is looking to reconnect with Knox Old Boys who volunteered as student carers at ABBOX (in any year), for the purpose of sharing initial thinking on event planning on some prospective events.
If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador for the Sony Camp program in 2024, please contact the OKGA Office by email or call 9487 0419.
Hunter Valley Polo Challenge
Tim Phelan (OKG83) has been involved in the world of Polo for more than 30 years, for the last seven as a Committee member of the Wirragulla Polo Club.
He is currently part of the team organising the 2023 Hunter Polo Challenge, as the Club celebrates its Centenary.
Funds raised through the Challenge (via ticket sales, sponsorship, auctions and hospitality) support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Read more about the Challenge which will be held in Dungog on 8-9 September on the Wirragulla website.
Knox United Retro Round, June 2023
Mates v States
UPDATE: On 9 May 2023, three Knox Old Boys from the Class of 2017 and one Old Ignatian completed their 80th consecutive marathon, run in 79 days. Mates Max Cutrone, Rory Cheal, Sean Stuart and Jasper Gotterson (Old Ignatian) started traversing the US East Coast from Florida on 19 February, with their sights set on the Canadian Border, all the while raising money for The Cancer Council.
Watch some media highlights of their journey on 7 News (YouTube) and ABC News Breakfast (ABC website).
See how the adventure began on the OKGA News page, The Daily Telegraph and 7 News Sydney (Facebook), and look back over their journey on Instagram.
Rock to Rock
On 26 February, Gil Garrett (OKG18) will leave Uluru on his bike and head for Sydney, undertaking a 30-day bikepacking challenge to raise funds for TLC for Kids. Recognised for his willingness to serve the community while at school, Gil says he learnt the importance of social justice through fundraising for White Ribbon and RUOK?
"I've been so lucky to grow up healthy, have a normal childhood and go to a great school. It's the importance of acknowledging how incredibly privileged we are, and a desire to help those who aren't as fortunate, that is motivating me to do something physically and mentally gruelling," Gil said.
"Although it will never come close to the immense challenges some children, families and nurses face, I hope others will empathise with sick children and their carers as I have.
Gil, who is the son of Peter Garrett (OKG83), has returned to Knox since his graduation as a casual Mountain Biking coach.
Funds raised through Gil's GoFundMe page will go directly to TLC for Kids in support of its programs, including Rapid TLC, the TLC Distraction Box and the TLC Ambulance.
Follow Gil's mission on Instagram.
Date posted: 15 February 2023
Team Senya | Walk for Kids with Cancer
Six-year old Senya, daughter of Thi and Jamie Shakespeare (OKG91) was diagnosed with Leukemia in August 2022. Jamie is participating in the Walk for Kids with Cancer for the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation on 26 March.
Senya is currently undergoing treatment and has a two-year long treatment journey ahead of her.
"This cause is very close to our hearts because not only does it help other kids have a better chance of survival, but along the way we have met many great warrior families undergoing treatment and want the best outcome for them and for any child that gets diagnosed with this horrible illness." Thi and Jamie
Visit the Team Senya page (Hospital Foundation's fundraising platform).
Obstacles and Endurance
On 13 November, more than 30 people participated in the inaugural 17/49 Enduro, an event organised by Phil Warth (OKG98) in Brisbane to support the Cancer Council Queensland. After seven people within his close circle were diagnosed with cancer, Phil says "it was time to do something". As a regular entrant in obstacle races, Phil approached Obstacle Obsession with the idea of completing an individual endurance challenge at their training facility. They were keen, and when Phil started talking about his plans, others expressed interest in joining him. Phil's concept for the event was to honour the 17 people diagnosed every hour with cancer and the 49,000 who are lost each year, by creating challenges based on the numbers 17 and 49. On 13 November, Phil was among five who finished the "Trojan" - 17 exercises per hour over a 49km trail for up to 10 hours.
The majority of other event participants were new to obstacle racing and joined in the "Warrior" and "Ninja" level challenges to support the cause.
With race entry fees and donations combined, Phil and his 17/49 team surpassed their event fundraising goal of $10,000. Donations can be made through the Cancer Council website. While still feeling the fatigue from his longest ever obstacle race, Phil is already looking at ideas to expand the event concept in Brisbane, and also considering other locations for a 17/49 Enduro, such as Sydney.
See some of the preparation for the event or what happened on the day on Instagram.
When he is not outdoors training or at Cross Fit, Phil divides his time between aviation consulting and as a director at the media agency 19zero3.
Date posted: 15 November 2022
Sony St Andrew's Children's Camp
Nick van Veen (OKG19), a past volunteer for the Sony Foundation ABBOX of Fun Holiday Camp, will be running a holiday camp run in partnership with the same Foundation and St Andrew's College in November 2022.
The four-day respite camp, organised entirely by student volunteers, is designed for children with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Children participate in a range of exciting activities while receiving one-to-one, round the clock care from volunteers. Not only does the camp allow families to receive much needed respite, but it is also provided at no expense.
Read the article on the OKGA news page or donate via trybooking.
Photos above (L-R) on desktop: Nick van Veen (OKG19), Will Sanderson (OKG19)
Date posted: 6 October 2022
Paul Nolan: City2Surf "Legend"
Paul Nolan (OKG75) is raising funds for the Children's Tumour Foundation (CTF) by participating in the 2022 City2Surf on 14 August. Paul is considered one of a handful of "Legends" in Sydney's popular road run, as he has been a participant in every City2Surf event since 1971.
Read Paul's story on his CTF fundraising page.
Do It For D-Man: The Colyer Family
Peter Colyer (OKG83) crosses the finish line of the 2021 Memory Walk and Jog, with son Al Colyer (OKG15)
On Sunday, 22 May 2022, the Colyer family will be joining the Sydney Memory Walk & Jog hosted by Dementia Australia to raise money and awareness for people with dementia.
Peter Colyer (OKG83) was diagnosed with younger onset dementia (Dementia Australia PDF) in 2017, at the age of 51. Doctors say that Peter could have had dementia from as early as his mid-30s.
Last year the Colyer family and friends formed a team of over 100 people, who together raised more than $70,000.
Read more about the Colyer team's story on the Dementia Australia website.
Knox Old Boys are invited to join Peter, his wife Jane, sons, Ed Colyer (OKG13), Al Colyer (OKG15), as well as current student Henry, and Peter's daughter, Charlotte, to join the walk or jog, as part of their team, another team or individually.
Donations to Dementia Australia's Memory Walk & Jog can be made via the Colyer family's D-Man page.
Date posted: 4 May 2022