In Focus : Burnley - our resilient borough THE YOUNG FASHION ENTREPRENEUR WHO’S FOUGHT HARD FROM THE AGE OF TWO

Aidan Tregay is a 23-yearold from Burnley with a passion for fashion and a determination to succeed.

After being diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, a rare kidney cancer, as a child, Aiden used this traumatic experience to inspire him to grab life by the horns and follow his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

Project North is the result – Aidan’s apparel company which specialises in bespoke clothing inspired by oldschool, football-fashion; redefined with his own artistic takes. The products are all limited edition and made-toorder which adds an air of exclusivity and sustainability to the brand.

Childhood battle

Aiden was just two years old when he was diagnosed with cancer. This was obviously an extremely challenging time for his family seeing him undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy at such an early age. Thankfully, Aiden recovered after 18 months of treatment and as well giving him his fighting spirit, it has also instilled a sense of gratitude and desire to give back.

Project North makes regular donations to North Manchester General Hospital.

This is all part of the brand’s ethos and Aiden feels it’s one that will resonate with anyone who has spent worrying times in hospital like him and his family.

The early days of Project North

The origins of Project North can be traced all the way back to 2017 when Aidan would sell his creations to friends. However, after finding an investor in 2021, Project North took off and each season of clothing has sold out.

We spoke to Aidan, who had a strong resilience message for other young creatives: “I never paid much attention in school, especially in the art lesson, where I’d spend the whole time messing about. I never really knew what I wanted to do and used to think art and textiles were for girls, but the more I learn about this industry the more I realise how many different aspects to it there are.

“Fashion design is absolutely not just for girls, and I urge any other lad in the same position as me in school to not be scared of what others think and look into it if you have a passion for clothing and art.

“The first few pieces I sold when I was 17 weren’t right at all – they were all wonky and I cringe looking back, but I’ve studied the craft and learned to fall in love with it and fall in love with my designs. Since then, I’ve learnt Photoshop and really studied design so each product can be flawless.”

Aidan’s pursuit of knowledge had even led him into starting a Univeristy of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Burnley foundation design course which reintroduced him to education. However, the business demanded too much of his time, so he took the difficult decision to leave the course.

More hurdles to overcome

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Project North; Aidan has also had a conflict with his first supplier which cost the business thousands. But, with that northern resilience we know all too well in Burnley, this 23-year-old visionary utilised his new investor to help source a better, more reliable supplier and bounced back.

“Of course, there’s going to be hurdles and challenges, but you need to work past them and take it one little step at a time,” says Aiden.

From battling cancer at an early age to being lost at school, to overcoming the trials and tribulations of having a new business, Aidan’s story truly is one of rolling up his sleeves and getting over barriers.

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