Durham 14-year-old facing lymphoma now fronts national Carfest charity campaign

Luke, 14, from Durham, has just been announced as an ambassador for CarFest’s annual Do More Good Week, a dedicated campaign shining a light on the real-life impact of funds raised through the festival.

CarFest is the UK’s largest family fundraising festival, and was launched in 2012 by radio presenter Chris Evans, with the sole purpose of raising funds for UK children’s charities. He launched Do More Good Week in 2019 and it takes place this year from 4-10 May. This year’s initiative encourages everyone to come together and ‘Do More Good’, highlighting how CarFest continues to support children’s charities and the individuals they serve.

Luke was just 12 when he was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma after first complaining of a swollen, sore neck. What followed was an intense period of treatment including chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, long hospital stays and periods of isolation away from school, friends and everyday life.

Throughout treatment, Luke and his family also faced the emotional and practical strain that comes with serious illness. With his grandmother becoming his main carer while also caring full-time for his disabled mum, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provided vital support during one of the toughest periods of their lives.

Stories like Luke's show exactly why CarFest has raised more than £28 million for UK children’s charities since launching in 2012, helping thousands of young people and their families. Do More Good Week brings these stories to the forefront and demonstrates how every ticket purchased contributes to meaningful, lasting change. Ten percent of every ticket sold goes directly to the fundraising pot, with all profits from the event also being donated to the selected charity partners. 

At the heart of this year’s campaign are young ambassadors supported by CarFest’s charity partners, whose personal experiences illustrate the tangible difference this funding makes. Luke is one of the young people sharing his story this year, representing Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Through Rainbow Trust, Luke received one-to-one support to help rebuild his confidence, manage anxiety and adjust to school, social activities and everyday life while continuing treatment. The charity has helped him and his family feel supported at a time when they needed it most.

Luke explains: “Treatment was really tough and being away from school and my friends was hard. Rainbow Trust helped me feel more confident again and supported my family through a difficult time. I’m really proud to be part of Do More Good Week and help show how much support like this can mean.”

As part of this year’s initiative, CarFest hosted a very special track day at Silverstone, offering ambassadors the opportunity to take part in activities including go-karting at the iconic circuit, a moment designed not only to celebrate their journeys, but to bring the CarFest community and its impact full circle.

Chris Evans, Founder of CarFest, said: “CarFest has always been about more than just a great weekend, it’s about coming together to make a genuine difference. Do More Good Week is our chance to shine a light on the incredible young people and families at the heart of everything we do. Every ticket bought, every experience enjoyed, helps support these life-changing charities, and we’re so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together.”

Katherine Burgess, Rainbow Trust representative explains: “For four decades, Rainbow Trust has supported families caring for a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness offering practical help, emotional support and a constant presence through the hardest moments. We provide this vital service without any central government funding and as one of our biggest supporters, CarFest is instrumental in enabling us to ensure that no family has to face serious childhood illness alone.”

Funds raised through CarFest are distributed to its charity partners, with half going to BBC Children in Need, alongside ongoing support for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy, as well as additional funding for local initiatives connected to the festival’s host communities.

Do More Good Week reinforces CarFest’s position as more than just a festival; but an experience that brings together music, food, wellbeing and motoring with a clear mission to do more good. As CarFest prepares for its first outing at Silverstone over the August Bank Holiday (28-30 August 2026), the initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world impact behind the event.

Together, CarFest continues to demonstrate the power of community, and the extraordinary difference that can be made when people come together to Do More Good.