CarFest VIP role for Barnard Castle teen battling cancer

A teen cancer victim from Barnard Castle has been made a charity ambassador for a celebrity radio DJ’s car festival.

Luke, a 14-year-old being treated for T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, will represent the Rainbow Trust at this year’s CarFest, the brainchild of morning DJ Chris Evans.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is a cancer of the blood.

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.

Luke was 12 when he first complained of a swollen and sore neck. His grandmother Lindsey took him to Darlington Hospital where he was diagnosed.

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 said: “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 added: “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 said: “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 explained: “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.

CarFest is at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire from August 28 to 30.