Page 74 - The Moretonian 2025

Where Are They Now

Life After Moreton

Cathy Champion née Charley (OM 1979)

From lacrosse pitches at Moreton Hall to royal finds this role especially rewarding, valuing the
garden parties at Buckingham Palace, Cathy opportunity to learn from the cultures and stories
Champion (née Charley, OM 1979) has led a life of her students.
as varied and vibrant as it is inspiring.
Her life has also been marked by a deep
Cathy attended Moreton from 1972 to 1979, commitment to charitable work. Cathy has
one of 13 girls who travelled over from Northern volunteered with organisations including The Art
Ireland to join the school community. During her Fund, St John Ambulance, Horatio’s Garden, and
time at Moreton, she was not only a dedicated Barnardo’s, among others. She is a trustee of
student but also a formidable athlete — a member the Royal Ulster Rifles Museum, honouring her
of the victorious All England Lacrosse team in father’s regiment, and a director of Lagan College,
1979 and served with distinction as Head Girl. the first integrated school in Northern Ireland.

From Moreton, Cathy went on to read History In 2021, Cathy was appointed Vice Lord-
(with German) at the University of Edinburgh, Lieutenant of County Down, a distinguished
where her passion for lacrosse continued. After ceremonial role representing His Majesty The
graduating, she joined AstraZeneca, before King. This position has seen her meet people
embracing a more adventurous path with from every walk of life, including welcoming
Operation Raleigh in London. Queen Camilla to Banbridge Library and
greeting The Duke of Edinburgh on his arrival
Cathy had long harboured a desire to travel — at Hillsborough Castle to present Duke of
and seized the opportunity to teach English and Edinburgh’s Gold Awards.
History in China. This chapter of her life became
a springboard for wide-ranging exploration, taking Her journey from Head Girl to globe-trotting
her across China, Tibet, Mongolia, and even along teacher, author, broadcaster, and royal
the Yangtze River during school holidays. Her representative is a testament to the boundless
journey continued through Thailand, Singapore, possibilities that can follow a Moreton education
Australia, and New Zealand, and included a visit — when paired with courage, curiosity, and a
to Malaysia, where she stayed with fellow Old great deal of heart.
Moretonian Oi Len Lee (1979).

Upon returning to Northern Ireland, Cathy
transitioned into a career in broadcasting,
working for BBC Ulster Television, independent
production companies, and contributing to both
local and regional newspapers. Alongside her
media work, she pursued another long-held
dream: writing children’s books. To date, she has
authored eight titles, all of which can be found on
her website: catherinecharley.com.

Eventually, Cathy returned to education — not
as a student this time, but as a teacher. She has
worked in schools, delivered teacher training at
the University of Ulster, and currently teaches
English to students from all over the world. She

74 The Moretonian 2025