Why Harry is a winner on and off the track

An eight-year-old boy from the Derbyshire Dales is one step closer to his dream of becoming a Formula One driver, having won the Motorsport UK Go Karting championship, Bambino Class, at Fulbeck Kart Club, Lincolnshire (November 24) despite having a rare liver condition. 

Harry Murphy first showed an interest in motorsport when he was four, racing toy cars, watching Formula One and driving his toy go kart in the garden. But he wasn’t able to put it into any form of real practice until a few days after his sixth birthday when he went to experience his first try on a track in a go kart and showed a natural talent and focus for it. 

 It was around this time that, having been admitted to hospital in a lot of pain, Harry was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Fortunately, he is currently stable, and his diagnosis did not deter him from pursuing his go-karting passion. Now, having won the championship for his age group, and scoring the highest points total since they began recording Motorsport UK races in 2016, he’s looking forward to progressing to the Cadet Class, which opens up the platform for more national competitions. 

 “Harry has lived, breathed and dreamed of motorsport since he could walk,” says his mum, Jennifer. “And while we’re delighted with his achievements on the track, we’re very proud that earlier this year he was made an ambassador for Rookie Racing, not just for his driving capability, but for his willingness to help other drivers. It’s a paid role where he helps those in the beginner level of karting. He watches their races and then takes part in a group discussion with advice and tips for how to progress. He’s a role model for the sport, and we could not be prouder of his hard work and commitment.  

 “Alpha 1 is a lifelong condition and obviously as his parents we are mindful of the risks of this and any other activity he undertakes, but Harry’s consultant has assured us that at present, racing is safe for Harry, and we are delighted that he is getting so much out of it.” 

 Michelle Wilkins Head of Children and Families Services at Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, who have provided Harry’s family with information and support since his diagnosis, agrees: “A diagnosis of childhood liver disease can be very tough for families as the rarity and complexity of these conditions can make those affected feel very isolated. It’s brilliant that Harry has demonstrated this talent at such a young age and it’s wonderful for other children affected to see that a diagnosis of liver disease doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t follow your dreams.”    

 Harry himself sums it up perfectly: “Racing makes me feel strong and powerful and alive,” he says.” I love it so much; it’s everything to me. My dad is my mechanic and engineer – we are the best team – and my mum and sister are my biggest fans too. I am sad to finish my bambino career, but excited to begin racing in a faster class. My dream is to be in Formula One and I can’t wait to race with Lando Norris!”