Manchester gym shares moving tribute to personal trainer Archie Vokes, who died in French avalanche
Archie Vokes, a PT at FORM in Greater Manchester, with his mum Kate - both died in an avalanche in France
The gym where Archie Vokes, 22, worked has shared a moving tribute to him after he was killed in an avalanche in France.
Archie was a personal trainer at FORM, based just outside Manchester city centre in Salford, before his tragic death last week.
He and his mother Kate, 54, both died after an avalanche swept through an off-piste ski area around Saint-Gervais, near Mont Blanc.
They were found by mountain rescuers Thursday afternoon, and later named as the mother and son from Manchester.
Kate was a director at Bruntwood and the sister of Bruntwood SciTech chief executive Chris Oglesby, and a well-loved and well-respected figure in the city.
She was also a familiar face around the FORM gym space where her son worked.
FORM has now shared a moving tribute to the pair, describing them as ‘kind-hearted, caring and loving’.
The gym wrote in a post on Instagram: “We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that coach Archie and his mother Kate tragically lost their lives.
“Both Archie and Kate were adored by the team and many members of the gym. You may have been lucky enough to have known them well, but even if you had only had the chance to speak to either of them briefly you would have instantly known how kind-hearted, caring and loving they both were.
“The love lost for Archie and Kate will never go away but the love for our team, members and what we do at FORM will only grow stronger.
“More than ever we are so grateful for the support and love that we have from everyone and over time we will find ways to use this to help heal.”
Several more people have shared their own tributes in response to FORM’s statement about the late Archie Vokes.
One person wrote: “I was so sorry to hear the news and the immeasurable loss for their family. The photo shows Kate and Archie exactly as they were. Archie was so personable and at the same time unassuming about his own talents. Kate was an incredible force for good in the north west region. A huge loss.”
Another said: “Such awful news. Archie was a lovely man and always had a smile for everyone when they walked in the gym. Sending love and hugs to all of you.”
Someone else shared: “Awful news. Archie was a brilliant person to have around the gym. Always took the time to say hello and ask me how I was doing every time I was in. Will be missed.”
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