Darlington fundraiser at Blackwell Meadows backs TeamLuke

The home of Darlington RFC and Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, played host to the TeamLuke Family Fun Day.

TeamLuke Foundation chairman Mark Bell said: “Luke would have thrived in this environment.”

More than 1,600 people attended the TeamLuke Family Fun Day at Blackwell Meadows in Darlington to support a charity fundraiser in memory of Luke Bell (Image: Supplied)

“He would have enjoyed all the different activities we had on the day.

“Luke loved being around people and having fun. The family fun day captured that.”

The event was held in memory of Luke Bell, who sadly lost his life to neuroblastoma, a rare form of children’s cancer.

More than 1,600 people attended the TeamLuke Family Fun Day at Blackwell Meadows in Darlington to support a charity fundraiser in memory of Luke Bell (Image: Supplied)

Families got to experience a range of giant inflatables including an assault course, bouncy castles, giant darts, axe throwing, a ‘death’ slide and drop, gladiator dual and destructor.

Alongside this, they could turn their hand to mini golf and sample the range of food vendors on site, whilst enjoying live entertainment from the Party Boppers, The Decades, Michael Hirst Music and the Polaroids.

Mr Bell said: “He would have really enjoyed watching the rugby matches.

Climbing activities (Image: Supplied)

“The players ran out onto the pitch to some of his favourite songs.

“Both his sister and I represented his team and he would have taken great pleasure in that.

“It was a very emotional day seeing everyone get behind the charity.

“Collaborating with the Wooden Spoon Society on the day was incredible, they are a brilliant charity and they immerse themselves in what these events are all about.

Family fun (Image: Supplied)

“Many players have commented about the day capturing the spirit of rugby.”

The Wooden Spoon Society took to the field in its eye-catching red, green, blue and white colours for the first time as part of the event.

Matt Mitchell, rugby and communities manager with Wooden Spoon, said.”This event was a fantastic collaboration between two charities to support children and young people,”

“The rugby matches were played in great spirit and the whole day created a terrific family atmosphere for everyone involved.

Facepainting for the young (Image: Supplied)

“Events like this showcase the power of rugby to bring people together while raising vital funds and awareness for important causes.”

The charity rugby matches offered a new experience bringing together teams from TeamLuke, Wooden Spoon Society and Darlington RFC, for men’s, women’s and veterans’ rugby all while being accompanied by a pitch-side DJ.

Darlington Building Society marked the occasion by donating a cheque for £930.

Family fun (Image: Supplied)

In the run-up to the event, it held a treadmill fundraiser covering 114 miles with volunteers teaming up to take on the distance in their Darlington branch.

Mr Bell said: “The volunteers on the day went above and beyond.

“They made people feel welcome and worked really hard, which is a massive support to the foundation.

Money raised for TeamLuke (Image: Supplied)

“Our sponsors have been a huge support.

“This year the event was bigger and better with the addition of live music.

“Thank you to our sponsors Hubspoke Media, G & A Security, Darlington Building Society, Darlington Roofing Contractors, Resilient Business Systems Limited and TG Med.”

More information can be found at www.teamluke.org.uk.

Musical entertainment (Image: Supplied)