The Wigan-based charity Speed of Sight provides blind and disabled people across the UK a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of driving — an activity many thought would never be possible for them.

They are well-known within the ADI community, and their successes continue to garner media attention.

Moreover, the charity continues to be a driving force in improving people’s lives.

This time, one of its long-term participants defies the odds and gains his driving licence.

 Racing ahead

Speed of Sight, co-founded in 2012 by blind race car driver and multiple world record-holder Mike Newman, along with friend and motorsport enthusiast John Galloway, offers accessible motorsport experiences using specially adapted vehicles.

These cars feature dual controls, hand-operated systems, and other bespoke equipment to ensure safety and usability for individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and those recovering from a stroke.

John Galloway explained: “When they come to these track days, they’ll have a drive that the world has told them is impossible.”

Building futures

At a recent event at the Three Sisters Race Course in Wigan, stroke survivor Netty Sanderson was among the many who got behind the wheel after years of being told she never would again.

Netty lost her licence after a 2018 stroke damaged her vision. But for the first time in seven years, she drove again — and called the experience “absolutely amazing.”

“I can’t put it into words,” she said. “It’s taken my independence and everything else – but today I just feel like me again.”

Each participant drives alongside an instructor who has their own set of controls.

This ensures safety while still allowing the driver the joy of independent control.

“It’s not just about driving a car,” said Netty. “It’s about confidence, freedom, and feeling like yourself again. These guys are just amazing.”

Going beyond

Though most Speed of Sight participants may never hold a full licence, the charity has recently seen one of its long-time drivers defy expectations.

Harvey Goodinson, 19, was born with a rare spinal condition called segmental spinal dysgenesis.

He began driving with Speed of Sight at the age of 11 and was told he would likely never drive independently.

But after years of practice, he passed his practical driving test in April 2025 — in a car adapted from the very ones he first learned in with the charity.

“They’ve been life-changing for me,” Harvey said. “I met my driving instructor at one of the events, and from there it just took off. Driving is something I never thought I’d be able to do.”

Legal and alive

Harvey’s instructor, Andrew Bevan, volunteers for Speed of Sight and taught him to drive using custom hand controls — including an inner ring accelerator on the steering wheel and a side-mounted brake lever.

“It was a challenge for both of us,” said Bevan. “We had to come up with a completely new system tailored to Harvey’s needs. But once it clicked, it just worked. Seeing him pass his test was one of the proudest moments of my career.”

Harvey now drives his own specially adapted car and is adjusting to life on the roads — where speed limits replace race tracks.

“On the track you can go fast, but on the roads, it’s a different kind of challenge. But they’re both equally as fun,” he said.

Speed of Sight hosts regular events across the UK and has enabled hundreds of people with physical and sensory impairments to feel the freedom of driving.

The charity’s mission is simple yet powerful: everyone deserves the chance to drive, no matter their ability.

To learn more, volunteer, or make a donation, visit speedofsight.org.