Adam Barry's Legacy Lives On Through Music, Kindness and Community Support
When Peter and Beverley Barry lost their 15-year-old son Adam in April 2020, just six days after the death of Peter's mother, their family faced an incredibly difficult period.
More than six years later, the Sandiacre couple are honouring Adam's memory through a foundation that brings opportunities, comfort and support to other families.
The Adam Barry Foundation helps young people discover a love of music, supports bereavement services and provides opportunities for children to enjoy activities that meant so much to Adam.
A pupil at Friesland School, Adam was a teenager full of energy, empathy and enthusiasm for life. He loved playing guitar, riding his bike and making people smile.
His parents remember a thoughtful young man who always found time for others, and they are determined to ensure that his kindness continues to make a difference.
Peter said:
You can’t turn back time or change what happened. But through the foundation, we can do something positive in Adam’s name and make sure he isn’t forgotten.
Sharing Adam's Love of Music
During lockdown, Adam taught himself to play guitar, progressing from an acoustic instrument to an electric guitar as his confidence and enthusiasm grew.
Today, that passion continues through the Adam Barry Music Fund at Friesland School, helping pupils access instruments and tuition they might otherwise be unable to afford.
Beverley remembers the small acts of kindness that made her son so special.
Adam wanted to experience everything, but he always had time for other people.
“After he died, we heard stories about him stopping to ask the dinner ladies how their weekends had been, or staying with a friend who was feeling down, even if it meant being late for a lesson.
“Once, he saw the headteacher eating alone and took his tray over to join him because he thought he looked lonely. That was Adam.”
For Peter and Beverley, seeing the music fund make a difference has brought some particularly meaningful moments.
At one school performance, they met the mother of a young guitarist who explained that her son had been able to take part thanks to the fund's support.
Beverley recalled:
She told us her husband had died and that her son wouldn’t have been up there without the music fund paying for his tuition.
We came away smiling. It reminded us why we’re doing this – giving other young people opportunities that Adam should still be here enjoying.
Helping Families Through Difficult Times
Alongside its work with young musicians, the foundation has developed strong connections with organisations supporting people through bereavement.
Having benefited from the compassionate support offered by Treetops Hospice, Peter and Beverley made its bereavement counselling services one of the foundation's first beneficiaries.
The foundation has since supported Derby charity Revive and helped fund bikes for the Brownlee Foundation, giving more young people opportunities to enjoy cycling.
Its latest contribution is a £1,200 donation to Derbyshire bereavement charity Right Beside Me.
The charity was founded by Jeanette Ashworth in memory of her son Nathan, who died aged 27. It provides thoughtful support for bereaved families, including memorial gifts, opportunities for adults to meet and Nathan's Grief Club for children and young adults at Derby Child Contact Centre.
Peter explained: “We know how much bereavement takes from you, and how important it is to have people around who understand.
We were fortunate to have people help us get the foundation started. Now we want to help another charity be there for families who need that support.
Keeping Adam's Kindness Alive
Through every music lesson funded, every bicycle provided and every family supported, Peter and Beverley are building something positive in their son's name.
The couple hope that individuals, businesses and community groups will join them by making donations, organising fundraising challenges or sponsoring the foundation's activities.
For Beverley, the motivation remains simple: helping others experience some of the happiness Adam brought to those around him.
“Every young person who gets to play an instrument and every family helped through grief means something good is happening in Adam’s name.
He brought so much happiness to people. We want that to carry on.
The Adam Barry Foundation is a reminder of how one young person's kindness can continue to touch lives, creating new opportunities and bringing people together for years to come.
To support the foundation or learn more about its work, visit adambarry.foundation
