Tribute to a much loved RTK member - Kath Head - 29/12/46 - 13/2/23

We are writing with some sad news for our members. The write up I knew was coming but NEVER wanted to complete, as the keyboard was always going be wet through with tears. Kath Head of the Stretford, Timperley and Kings Road Dojos passed away peacefully with her family by her side in the early hours of Monday 13th February. She fought a short, but brave battle with cancer.

Kath was adored by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a wonderful woman who touched the lives of so many, always in a positive way. A much loved Mum, Nana, Mother in Law and Wife. She was also a dear friend to many of us. Somebody enormously respected, treasured and loved by all who knew her at RTK.

I first met Kath when she joined our club back in 2008 with daughter Debbie Carter (Sensei) and son Rob Head (Sensei). I then had the absolute honour of teaching her for many years. She was the kind of student you would always look forward to seeing. Brandon Lee (Sensei) would say the same I am sure. I loved our Stretford Mondays because I knew I was going to see Kath and the Heads. Always smiling and happy and she always tried her absolute best, even when we asked her to do the craziest things. She would give me the 'are you mad look? I’m an old lady!’ but still have a go anyway! As Debbie would say - she was pretty brilliant at karate for an old bid! And she would laugh. We would all laugh. How we will miss that laugh.

She was so, so funny and always had a great little story to tell. And she LOVED the class and we all LOVED her. She would always welcome new beginners with kind word and that beautiful smile we will miss terribly now (thank God for photos). She would make them feel at ease and part of the group immediately. She never missed a birthday or a special occasion. Even when I had my first child, Dexter, I brought him to see Kath the following Thursday. She always gave the best advice. “Cherish these first few months and years whilst they want you” she said, “because they’ll soon be behind you”. Of course she was right. She was always right.

Even parents would be drawn to Kath and confide in her. She cared about everyone. I don’t know how she did it but she would just make you feel better. Even towards the end, she was more worried about those she would leave behind than herself. She was extraordinarily compassionate and empathetic.

Kath was also part of Rob Sensei’s Kings Road Dojo for many years and I know just how much she was loved there too. They started it together and Kath looked after everybody (including Rob haha)- just as we knew she would. She couldn’t help it. Kath felt like everyone’s Mum/Nana/Friend. She couldn’t help it. She would come along to all their gradings to support and watch them achieve. Even sitting on the bus to the other side of Manchester to watch the students do their best. So she could congratulate them at the end. I always looked forward to seeing her and having a little chat. It meant a lot to the members just to have her presence there and she would make you feel like you could do anything. With Kath around, you just knew all would be ok. There not enough people in the World who just love and do for others, without expecting anything in return. Kath was one of them.

Never one to shy away from a challenge - Kath trained in the Timperley Dojo with Paul Sensei for many years too. Known as one of the hardest and most physically exhausting classes in the Club, where 500 squats is just a light warm up. Kath was there every week giving it everything, putting to shame people half her age. What she could do really was amazing. When you focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t do, anything is possible. The word ‘inspirational’ somehow doesn’t do Kath justice. I know many will agree with me when I say - when I reach Kaths age I pray I am still training and can give half as much as she did. The Timperley crew will miss her terribly I am sure. She was one of the best of them.

She earned her Black Belt on a hot Summers day at Kearsley Academy - Sunday 11th July 2015 under Alan Campbell Sensei and Paul Wolstencroft Sensei. She was so nervous, but that was her. She believed in everyone else and gave them strength and courage, but never believed in herself. She felt uncomfortable with fuss or attention. Debbie Sensei is the same. I don’t know why. Perhaps, because she was such a selfless person. She never quite understood how awesome and special she was to all of us. She got up, gave it everything and showed us all what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance and determination, no matter how old you are or what physical limitations you have. We are all capable of anything. Kath showed us this. She led by example of that day and I am sure she has inspired many ladies (and gents) to either start to learn or keep on going and work hard for what you want. We could be drawn to the fact that she was our oldest Black Belt, but I don’t think she would like that! She was so young at heart. So lively and energetic.

I am sure it was a dream come true for her and she never really thought she was worthy. But she was. More worthy perhaps than anyone I have ever met.

She got the loudest cheer on the day. Everyone in the room was so happy for Kath. And she was so happy and so proud of herself. I will never forget it. It was truly heartwarming, even for the hardest of us.

Kath was a staunch supporter of our squad and competitors. She donated hundreds to the squad fund to help with expenses. She wouldn’t want anyone to know that because she was modest but it just proves what a kind and generous person she was. She believed in the future stars of our club and did what she could to help them fulfill their dreams. Just like she was able to.

We plan to honour her going forward. We will introduce a new award that can be won at our Championships. The Kath Head award of excellence.

Her legacy is her children. I am sure that they are her proudest achievement. Her life’s work was her family. Caring for them, making them feel loved and showing them how to be a beautiful person, inside and out. She also passed on her wonderful sense of humour. How we all laugh together. It is the greatest gift. We will laugh together again.

We feel lucky that she left behind two mini Kaths - Debbie Sensei and Rob Sensei. They are both so like her. We must be eternally grateful to her for that. Two wonderful people who will carry on their Mums good work, passion and enthusiasm. I always feel better when I’ve been around Debbie, Dave and Rob. They have all looked after Kath and had a torrid time over the last few months as she slipped away.

Our thoughts are with Dave Sensei and Martina has who have been rocks for Debbie and Rob but have also lost their wonderful Mother in Law. The support from us will continue of course. We look after each other here. It is the Manchester way. Thank you to all the Instructors and Assistants who have covered and the students for their understanding and patience.

So we must carry on telling our Kath stories and keep doing the little things she did. We will never forget her. She’s left behind the best memories. I’ve tried not to make this too long because I know she wouldn’t want the fuss. But it’s tough, because we all loved you very much and you deserve everything.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Sending you all love and strength to carry on.

Rest up now beautiful lady.

Kath, you might be gone but you’ll never be forgotten.