Watch the video for more information on the fundraiser below.
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Harry Chadwick passed away at the age of 17 after a four-year battle with testicular cancer. Now the family from Spratton, Northamptonshire, will be waking Harry’s dog for 177 miles in honor of his memory.
Dad David Chadwick, 53, set up a charity in his son’s name and the walk is part of a fundraiser. Nelly, the Airedale Terrier, will walk along with David for 177 miles which will be completed over the course of six days with stops at B&B’s along their route.
Harry’s mom, Jessica Pilkington, 47, said: “Harry fought cancer for four years, with the diagnosis constantly switching between terminal, to not.
“It was originally diagnosed as testicular, but then changed to cancer of the unknown primary which made it so hard to treat.
“It was heartbreaking, and Harry was such a special person.
“He absolutely adored both Nelly and Freddie and was so loving and gentle.
“We got two dogs for him and his sister, both Nelly, and Freddie, and they named them, and spent all his time walking them.
“Despite his diagnosis of autism, it never held him back from loving life, loving people and having ambition.
“Since losing him, we’re determined that we won’t let cancer define Harry.
“When Harry was 2 and a half, I gave up my job and traveled around the world.
“Harry was even the first child from the Western World to climb Machu Picchu.
“I didn’t have any idea of Harry’s disabilities until we returned to the UK when he was four.
“But when we got back to the UK and got the diagnosis, we noticed Harry would need a schedule due to his autism, and there were things that made him quirky.
“He had a memory like an elephant, and friends who I hadn’t seen in years, he would remember the relationships and the birthdays, even when I couldn’t.
“We live in a small village and he was always walking with the dogs, he absolutely loved it.
“And when I rang him to see where he was, he’d answer and he’d have popped into everyone’s house on the way back, just to chat.
“He absolutely loved people and he’d still walk the dogs even when he was feeling poorly.”
Harry’s parents believe that provisions are lacking for those who have special educational needs upon leaving secondary school and Harry’s Fund is meant to help those who are like Harry.
David added: “If he’d lived, Harry would have been supported by charities like Teamwork Trust as they prepared him for the next stage of life after school.
“I’d like Harry’s legacy to be what an all-around beautiful person he was, and how he would always help others.”