Barnard Castle teen to represent Rainbow Trust at CarFest

Fourteen-year-old Luke has been named an ambassador for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and will attend CarFest 2026, which takes place from August 28 to 30 at Silverstone Circuit in Towcester.

CarFest has raised more than £28 million for UK children’s charities since launching in 2012.

Rainbow Trust is among the charity partners for this year’s event.

From left, Family Support Worker Monica, Luke, Grandma Lindsey and Mum Laura (Image: Supplied)

Luke said: “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.

“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.”

At age 12, Luke was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Luke (Image: Supplied)

Following the diagnosis, he underwent intensive chemotherapy, multiple blood and platelet transfusions, and spent long periods in isolation.

He was unable to attend school or see his friends for ten months.

During this time, his grandmother Lindsey became his primary carer. She also cares full-time for Luke’s mother, Laura, who is disabled.

Support from Rainbow Trust began in May 2024, when family support worker Monica started visiting the family.

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.”

Monica has helped with respite care for Lindsey and supported Luke with social development, isolation and anxiety.

Monica has become a positive stable presence during an extremely traumatic time.

Rainbow Trust has supported families of seriously ill children for 40 years, providing practical and emotional care without any central government funding.

Katherine Burgess, corporate and community fundraising manager at Rainbow Trust, said: “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.”

CarFest offers iconic cars and track shows, family-friendly activities, and performances from artists including Jessie J, Tom Jones, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rick Astley.

Rainbow Trust will host a seaside-themed crazy golf course in the festival’s ‘RetroFest’ area.

Luke said he is proud to attend CarFest and help raise awareness of the support the charity offers.

More information about the Rainbow Trust is available at rainbowtrust.org.uk.

Tickets for CarFest 2026 are now available through the official CarFest website.