Young motorsport racer Harley Young aspires to not only be a racing champion but to champion the importance of fostering, saying children in foster care need to know “they can reach for the stars.”
Fifteen-year-old Harley, whose parents are North Lincolnshire foster carers is determined to raise awareness of how fostering can transform lives and the vital need for foster carers like his parents Phil and Katie Young.
Harley said: “I want to be a champion for fostering and racing – fostering is very close to my heart. I feel lucky to have this opportunity in racing and believe others should be able to experience it too.
“Being part of a fostering family has had a massive impact on my life and made me appreciate what I have even more.
“Fostering is incredibly rewarding, and my mum and dad are brilliant for what they do; I can see the difference we are making to young people’s lives in providing care, love, and security.”
Harley, who races under the name HY Racing, added: “I want to share my story so that children, especially those in foster care, know they deserve everything in the world and to keep a smile on their face every day.
“They are so strong to experience what they do, and I want them to know that I believe they deserve to reach for the stars.”
In collaboration with the fostering team at North Lincolnshire Council, Harley is going to be raising awareness, sharing his story, and talking about fostering alongside his developing motorsport career.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting Harley and his passion for sharing his story to raise awareness of the importance of fostering, not only in our community but around the UK.”
Harley’s parents Phil and Katie added: “We are immensely proud of Harley wanting to champion fostering and thinking of others. This collaboration was Harley’s suggestion, and we are fully behind him.
“The experience, responsibility and learning it’s giving him is priceless. Being part of a foster family has made him appreciate life more than he already did.
“We support and want to aid Harley in championing fostering because we’ve seen the difference, we can make to a child that needs a home. The fostering team works exceptionally hard but foster carers are always needed.
“Harley is using his racing to put fostering on the pedestal that we also believe it deserves and to encourage more people to enquire about fostering or become fostering friendly. It’s something that we are incredibly passionate about as a family.”
Cllr Reed added: “Harley is a true inspiration to others and this collaboration has children reaching for the stars at the heart of it.
“Ensuring that all children can believe in themselves and reach for their dreams is something we are very passionate about here at North Lincolnshire Council.”
Harley races e-karts and attends arrive and drive events which encourages sustainable racing for the future and are more cost effective. This type of racing provides an opportunity to get into the world of motorsport and is recognised by Total Karting Zero that are regulated by Motorsport UK.
Harley’s next race weekend on Saturday 23 September is the final round of the Total Karting Zero North Championship. To keep up to date with Harley’s racing career, follow him on social media: Instagram and Twitter.
Employers, businesses and organisations can support and champion fostering by becoming Fostering Friendly.
This scheme helps employers to support and understand the roles of their employees who foster, and members can support in a variety of ways which can be individualised to each organisation.
Current members include Hampton by Hilton at Humberside Airport, The Winterton Federation and Jerry Green Dog Rescue.
To find out more about fostering in North Lincolnshire, visit the website, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.
