A FAMILY has launched a new bursary scheme in memory of their son who died six years ago.
Harry Chadwick’s parents Jessica Pilkington and David Chadwick have linked up with Northamptonshire Community Foundation – the county’s largest independent grant-giving charity – to launch Harry’s Fund, a new bursary scheme for young people across the county with neurodiverse conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD to support their education.
“Harry lit up a room,” said mum Jessica (pictured above with Harry). “He was hilarious, loyal, loving, loved his friends and family and we miss him every single day.
“Harry was autistic so, before he got ill, we had been focused on helping him prepare for his future, his life after secondary school. Disabled youngsters can, if they are lucky, get good support at school but life can be daunting when they leave and that is what we want Harry’s Fund to address.”
Harry’s Fund has been made possible thanks to the generosity of Harry’s family and friends, who raised funds in his memory after Harry died of cancer at the age of 19.
It will help teenagers with neurodiverse conditions post-secondary school, to make the move into further education, an apprenticeship or employment.
“A huge thank you to the Northamptonshire Community Foundation team for helping us make this happen,” said Jessica. “David, myself and Harry’s sister Polly are really proud to be launching Harry’s Fund. I think Harry will be smiling right now.”
Northamptonshire Community Foundation manages a range of funds and bursaries set up to improve the lives of Northamptonshire people. Students aged between 15 and 21 who have a confirmed diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition can apply to Harry’s Fund for an award of between £150 and £250 to support their transition into sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or volunteering opportunity.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation will accept applications at any time. Application forms can be requested from the grants team via . The NCF grants team are available to answer questions and to support applicants.
NCF’s grants manager Alex Rex said: “We are very proud to be launching Harry’s Fund in partnership with Jess and David from Pilkington Communications. This bursary scheme will provide vital support to students with neurodiverse conditions.”
