Luke, a 14-year-old from Barnard Castle, who is being treated for T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, a cancer of the blood, has been selected by Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity to be the charity’s ambassador for CarFest.
This year CarFest takes place at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in Towcester, Northamptonshire
Rainbow Trust will be in ‘RetroFest’ with their seaside-themed crazy golf course at the family-friendly festival, which boasts iconic cars and track shows, fun activities, and a star-studded line-up including Jessie J, Tom Jones, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rick Astley.
For 40 years, Rainbow Trust has pioneered standing alongside families facing the unimaginable, caring for a terminally ill child. In the darkest and most uncertain moments of their lives, Rainbow Trust continues to be a lifeline, offering not just practical help but deep emotional support that wraps around the entire family.
Luke was just 12 when he first complained of a swollen and sore neck. His grandmother Lindsey took him to Darlington Hospital where he was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Following his diagnosis life changed dramatically for the whole family. Luke underwent intensive chemotherapy, multiple blood and platelet transfusions and had to spend long isolated periods in hospital. Luke was unable to go out, go to school or see his friends for ten months.
During this time Lindsey became his primary carer alongside caring full time for Luke’s mum Laura who is disabled, and their lives became a relentless cycle of hospital visits and treatments.
Family Support Worker Monica began supporting the family in May 2024, providing Lindsey with respite and helping Luke with his social development, isolation and anxiety. Monica has become a positive stable presence for both Luke and Lindsey during an extremely traumatic time.
Lindsey says; “this has been horrendous for Luke. Before Rainbow Trust I felt like we didn't really have anybody to reach out to. It's been really good for him.”
Luke says; “When they told me I had cancer we all burst out crying. Family Support Worker Monica is the nicest person I’ve met - she makes me laugh. Rainbow Trust has made a very big difference in my life after the isolation I've been through.”
About CarFest Luke says; “my treatment was really tough and being away from school and my friends has been hard. Rainbow Trust has helped me feel more confident again and supported my family through a difficult time. I’m really proud to be part of CarFest and help show how much support like this can mean.”
Katherine Burgess, Rainbow Trust Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager 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.”
To find out more about Rainbow Trust visit rainbowtrust.org.uk or to buy tickets for CarFest 2026 click here .
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