Birmingham boy Harry Moseley captured the hearts of the nation when he raised over £750,000 for cancer research in the last two years of his life, before sadly passing away aged just 11 years old.  He has been honoured by local bus operator National Express West Midlands in the wake of the Birmingham Walkathon relaunch.

The famous number 11 bus has been named after Harry, as it circulates the very route participants of the Birmingham Walkathon will be pounding the pavements of on Sunday 2nd April.

Known as the longest bus route in Europe, National Express West Midlands’ number 11 service covers a 27 mile route that has run around the outer circle of Birmingham since 1926.

By joining forces and commemorating Harry in this way, Help Harry Help Others and National Express West Midlands are working together to remind people of the importance of community spirit and supporting those who might need a helping hand.

The Walkathon, which started in the early 1980s and last took place in 2013, will offer participants three route options to complete, ensuring all ages and abilities are able to get involved. The first option will be the full number 11 bus route, starting and finishing at either Kings Heath Park or Rookery Park. There is also the 11 mile route and a new, fully inclusive option which will comprise of one, three or five laps around Kings Heath Park.

Over the years the walk has attracted up to 10,000 people annually and in one year raised over £400,000. The Walkathon, which was first developed by David Bagley, who was the former director of BRMB, also aims to reduce isolation and tackle loneliness, by creating a ‘Buddy check in area’ for people attending alone. The specially developed area means those individuals can meet others in the same situation and hopefully walk together and form lifelong friendships.

David Bradford, Managing Director for National Express West Midlands said, “We are delighted to name one of our iconic number 11 buses after Harry Moseley, celebrating his legacy and the important work undertaken to support those with cancer.

“We have fond memories of Harry’s fundraising efforts, 11 years ago, creating and selling his colourful wristbands. To see how far the charity has continued to grow within our community is an incredible achievement and we are extremely pleased to be able to mark it in some way. It is with great hope that the ‘Harry’ bus will also bring back many happy memories for our passengers and the local community served by the route. ”

Harry’s Mom, Georgie Moseley, who officially registered Help Harry Help Others as a charity 10 years ago, said “We are truly grateful for this incredibly kind and moving gesture by National Express West Midlands, especially as my Harry still does so much for our city and the people within it. It is a wonderful way to honour Harry and a fantastic way to connect back to the Walkathon route and bring the essence of the event to life.

“The number 11 bus route is also significant for us, as Harry was 11 when he passed in 2011, and it has now been 11 years since he left us. The aim of the Walkathon is to re-engage the community, boost community spirit, support post pandemic mental health issues and raise much needed funds; not only for HHHO but other amazing West Midlands charities too. We can’t thank National Express West Midlands enough for supporting HHHO in this way”.

The Walkathon 2023 takes place on Sunday 2nd April. Find out more and sign up at brumwalkathon.co.uk