Wigan is gearing up for an inspiring evening as local social enterprise Happy Smiles Training hosts a special free screening of Race Across Europe on Wednesday 3 December at The Three Mills. The event marks International Day of Disabled People — and brings an extraordinary achievement back to the community that helped shape it.
At the heart of the night is Haydn Smith, co-founder of Happy Smiles Training and winner of the Race Across Europe challenge. As a powered wheelchair user, Haydn took on a continent-spanning race that many believed couldn’t be done. Not only did he complete it — he won it.
The documentary captures every moment of the journey: the grit, the humour, the setbacks and the strangers-turned-supporters who helped him along the way.
Following the screening, Haydn will join members of the Happy Smiles team for a live Q&A, giving audiences an honest look at what the race really demanded and what inclusion looks like in practice.
“People have always told me what I cannot do,” Haydn says. “This film shows what happens when we focus on what is possible. I cannot wait to share it with our hometown.”
Meet Happy Smiles: A Wigan Social Enterprise Changing the UK
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning social enterprise led entirely by disabled people. Founded in Wigan, the organisation delivers lived-experience training, access audits and inclusion consultancy to:
Schools
NHS teams
Councils
Universities
Workplaces and employers across the UK
What makes Happy Smiles unique is its model — over 90% of the workforce are disabled people, using their lived experience to create genuine change in communities.
Their impact so far includes:
22,000+ people trained nationwide
50+ disabled people supported into long-term employment pathways
Weekly free support sessions for disabled people
Partnerships with major organisations such as Levi’s, Manchester United, Wigan Council, Edge Hill University and several NHS Trusts
National recognition, including the King’s Award for Voluntary Service and the National Diversity Award
Co-founder and Managing Director Alex Winstanley said:
“We are proud that over 90% of our workforce are disabled people. Nights like this bring our community together and turn inspiration into action.”
Event Details
📽️ What: Race Across Europe screening + live Q&A with Haydn Smith
📅 When: Wednesday 3 December, 5pm–8pm
📍 Where: The Three Mills, Wigan
🎟 Tickets: Free but limited — book via Eventbrite
♿ Access: Access requests welcome via the Happy Smiles website
Wigan residents are invited to join a night of motivation, community spirit and real representation.
Secure your free ticket and learn more about Happy Smiles’ work at:
www.happysmilestraining.co.uk
If you’ve got a story you think needs shouting about, get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
