His journey into advocacy began during his fourth year at university, when he received a life-changing diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour while I was trying to qualify for the Olympic team,” he explains. “Since then, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind.”
Despite the challenges, Archie has chosen to face his diagnosis head on. “Patients can go one of two ways,” he says. “They can run from the diagnosis, or they can face it head on. My way of facing it was to go all in.”
He is now closely involved in raising awareness of brain cancer and supporting initiatives such as the Turn Terminals Treatable campaign, which calls for increased research funding, improved access to genomic sequencing, and greater availability of innovative treatments.
At present, the charity is calling for increased government funding for research into brain cancer – you can sign the petition here. He understands the challenge that 100,000 signatures presents but while the deadline for the petition approaches quickly the 100,000 mark is within touching distance: “This petition could bring a paradigm shift in how brain cancer is approached in the UK, giving patients the chance to fight, advocate and combat the disease with emerging modern technologies and importantly feel like they have autonomy in the battle for their life.”
That determination, and his approach to tackling his diagnosis head on, he believes were shaped by his experience at School. “It’s easy to overlook how much your character is shaped while you’re at school,” he says. “But the lessons I learned still stick with me. They still drive me.”
Archie started ESMS, “as a wee Poppy” in our Nursery rooms and was here through to the end of Senior School, leaving in 2019. He credits his resilience and strong sense of self to many thanks, including his dedicated and passionate teachers. “There was always a genuine sense of care,” he says. “They had a real interest in your life, not just in the classroom.”
Beyond the classroom, he lived and breathed the School’s values, and those are very much present in his advocacy work today. “I might not be able to list them all now (!),” he says, “but they’re definitely still there in how I think and behave.”
Amidst the uncertainty, Archie manages to remain focused and optimistic. “It’s challenging every day,” he says. “But it’s about keeping your routine, staying connected to people, and holding onto your values.” For Archie, many of these people are friendships first made at School, and the family that has supported him throughout it all.
To find out more about the petition click here. Archie will also be taking part in a charity concert on 20 March which is being held at The Dean, just along from the School’s Queensferry Road site. Tickets will be on sale in due course.
