More than 1,600 people bop, bounce and bosh at Family Fun Day.
Families flocked to a rugby fundraiser which saw more than 1,600 support a local charity.
The home of Darlington RFC and Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows played host to the TeamLuke Family Fun Day.
“Luke would have thrived in this environment,” said Mark Bell, chairman of the TeamLuke Foundation. “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 the memory of Luke Bell who sadly lost his life to neuroblastoma, a rare form of children’s cancer.
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.
“He would have really enjoyed watching the rugby matches,” said Mark. “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. 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.
“This event was a fantastic collaboration between two charities to support children and young people,” said Matt Mitchell, rugby and communities manager with Wooden Spoon. “The rugby matches were played in great spirit and the whole day created a terrific family atmosphere for everyone involved.
“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. 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.
Mark 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.
“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.
The TeamLuke Family Fun Day, held at Blackwell Meadows, is an annual community event organised by the TeamLuke Foundation in partnership with Wooden Spoon. Created in memory of Luke Bell, who sadly lost his battle with High Risk Neuroblastoma in 2018 aged just eight, the event brings together families, local businesses, charities and rugby supporters for a day of entertainment and fundraising. Featuring live music, charity rugby matches, giant inflatables, food and drink vendors, children’s activities and evening entertainment, the Family Fun Day raises vital funds to support children’s cancer initiatives and community projects while celebrating Luke’s legacy.
