Harry’s Legacy Travel Training Brings Independence For Young People

At Brightwayz, we’ve always believed that travel isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about confidence, independence, and the joy of exploring and getting to know your local area on your own terms.

That’s why a new programme we’ve been running feels so close to my heart. It’s called Harry’s Way, and it’s a travel training initiative for young adults and teenagers with additional needs in North Northants.

The name comes from a remarkable young man, Harry Chadwick. Harry was a former pupil of Isebrook Community School in Kettering, and he absolutely loved the freedom of cycling. Tragically, Harry lost his life to cancer in 2018, aged just 19. His parents, David Chadwick and Jessica Pilkington, wanted to create a lasting legacy – something that would bring the same kind of joy and independence to other local young people with additional needs. I feel very privileged that they trusted Brightwayz to help make that happen.

Harry Chadwick and his Mum, Jessica Pilkington.

What does Harry’s Way Travel Training Involve?

It’s not a one‑size‑fits‑all programme. We work closely with each participant to understand what they’d like to achieve. For some, it’s learning how to catch a bus for the first time. For others, it’s taking a train to a nearby town, or getting more confident riding a cycle. The sessions are tailored, patient and very practical.

One participant, Ryan Richardson (a Tresham College student), has been a real star – even helping us develop and promote the project. He told me: “On Harry’s Way I learnt how to go on a bus and also how to take my bike to Corby on the train.” Hearing that just makes my day.

A Cycle for Everyone Who Needs One

We know that not everyone has access to a cycle, even if they’d love to ride. So as part of Harry’s Way, anyone who needs a bike is given a refurbished cycle to keep. It’s a small thing that can make a huge difference – suddenly a trip to the shops, a friend’s house or a local park becomes possible.

Bring a Friend Along for Shared Travel Training

Getting out and about shouldn’t be a lonely activity. That’s why participants are welcome to bring a friend or sibling along to the sessions. It makes the experience more fun, and it means they’ll have someone to travel with in future – building that confidence together.

Reducing Car-Dependency

I often say that not everyone can, wants to, or can afford to drive a car. And even if they do, many journeys are better by cycle or public transport. Harry’s Way is about opening up those options – so young adults can get to college, to see friends, or just enjoy a day trip, all on their own terms.

What’s the Future for Harry’s Way?

The main funded Harry’s Way project for 2025‑26 is in its final stages, thanks to incredible support from Harry’s family (via the Harry’s Fund and Northants Community Foundation), East Midlands Railway’s Community Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and North Northamptonshire Council. Local schools and youth organisations have worked with us to reach the young people who can benefit most.

But I see this as just the beginning. We are already planning further Harry’s Way travel training programmes in the future, because the need is there – and the joy on a young person’s face when they make their first independent journey? That’s something we want to keep spreading, in Harry’s name.

Adding Some Zing With Our Own Product Range

Here at Brightwayz we are well known for our range of active travel campaign resources. Running Harry’s Way has given us the perfect opportunity to try out some of our own products to boost engagement and give the project some real zing.

When participants join Harry’s Way they receive a free notebook and pen emblazoned with the Harry’s Way logo – a design that Ryan and his friend Luke helped to create with our professional designer. It’s a great place to jot down plans, notes and thoughts about their local travel adventures.

Our reflective bags are given to each participant too, again with the special Harry’s Way logo. It’s a practical way to help those travelling to safely carry all their bits and pieces whilst staying safe and seen if out after dark.

Those joining us for cycle activities receive one of our handy Cycle repair tool sets to help keep their cycles in safe condition as well as a cycle lock.

Resources for Your Travel Training Programmes

In future we’ll be making the most of and trying out even more practical active travel engagement products from our range – but if you want to check them out yourself and think about how they’d look with your own campaign logo, take a look at our website.

Here at Brightwayz social enterprise we love to provide information and tips to help you, your colleagues, friends and family travel in safe, active, sustainable ways for everyday journeys.

Our unique range of products is here to help support your active travel campaigns and 100% of profits from sales is ploughed back to support the work we do. Take a look at our range here and find something to help you inspire others to travel in good ways.