CarFest, the much-loved family festival founded by Chris Evans, has announced the return of its annual Do More Good Week, a dedicated campaign shining a light on the real-life impact of funds raised through the festival. Taking place from the week commencing 4 May, this year’s initiative invites audiences to come together and ‘Do More Good’, highlighting how CarFest continues to support children’s charities and the individuals they serve.
Since launching in 2012, CarFest has raised more than £28 million for UK children’s charities, helping thousands of young people and their families. Do More Good Week brings these stories to the forefront, demonstrating how every ticket purchased contributes to meaningful, lasting change.
At the heart of this year’s campaign are young ambassadors supported by CarFest’s charity partners, whose personal experiences illustrate the tangible difference this funding makes. Their stories will be shared throughout the week, highlighting individual journeys across BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy.
Thomas, 14, Surrey – BBC Children in Need
Thomas, 14, from Surrey was born with multiple health conditions, including a cleft lip and palate, a visual impairment and scoliosis. When he was a baby, his family found Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA), a charity supported by BBC Children in Need, which has been helping Thomas and his family ever since. In his early years, CLAPA provided specialist feeding bottles, practical guidance and support around the operations needed for his cleft lip and palate. As he got older, Thomas also took part in residential trips and activities that helped build confidence and friendships with other young people who shared similar experiences. Today, Thomas is a member of CLAPA’s Children’s and Young People’s Council, helping create resources including surgery guides, nurse training materials and youth-led projects so that other children facing treatment feel informed, supported and less alone.
Ravi, 11, Brighton – Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
Diagnosed at just six years old with a brain tumour, Ravi underwent ten hours of surgery followed by a year of intense rehabilitation, leaving him with facial palsy, hearing and sight loss on one side, a hand tremor and balance difficulties. Returning to school proved challenging, impacting both his education and confidence. Through the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which takes young people living through and beyond cancer on sailing and outdoor adventures to inspire them to believe in a brighter future, Ravi took part in a sailing adventure that gave him a renewed sense of independence and control, allowing him to connect with others who understood his experience. Now 11, his tumour is stable and he is focused on adapting, rebuilding his confidence and looking ahead to a positive future.
Luke, 14, Durham – Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity
Luke was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma after initially presenting with a swollen neck, turning life upside down for him and his family. He underwent intensive chemotherapy, blood transfusions and long periods of isolation in hospital, forcing him out of school and away from friends for extended periods. With his grandmother as his primary carer, alongside caring for his disabled mum, the family faced immense challenges. Supported by Rainbow Trust, Luke received help to manage anxiety, rebuild his confidence and gradually reintegrate into everyday life, including returning to school and social activities after months of isolation.
Zak, 17, Bristol – Teenage Cancer Trust
Zak was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia at 16 after experiencing symptoms including severe fatigue, bleeding and frequent nosebleeds. Throughout his treatment, Teenage Cancer Trust Clinical Nurse Specialists provided vital support not only to Zak but also to his family, helping manage both his physical care and mental wellbeing. They ensured his treatment was adapted when needed and even enabled him to spend Christmas at home. Through the charity, Zak connected with other young people facing similar experiences and benefited from dedicated teenage-focused hospital spaces, helping him feel less alone during his treatment, which he completed in January.
Filly, 13, Taunton – Starlight Children’s Foundation
Filly was diagnosed with leukaemia at just three and a half years old after becoming seriously unwell in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Her diagnosis meant the whole family spent Christmas in hospital, but support from the hospital play team helped ensure both Filly and her older sister could still experience the magic of the festive season. Throughout years of treatment, therapeutic play specialists used age-appropriate activities to help Filly understand procedures, reduce fear and protect her childhood during an incredibly difficult time. With support from Starlight Children’s Foundation and specialist play services, Filly and her family were able to navigate treatment with greater comfort, confidence and joy during the toughest moments.
Jamie, 11, Essex – Young Epilepsy
Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy last year at the age of 10 after first experiencing absence seizures – brief moments where he would appear vacant and unresponsive. Over time, the seizures became more frequent and later developed into focal seizures, bringing new challenges and uncertainty for Jamie and his family. In August last year, Jamie experienced his first tonic-clonic seizure, followed by a difficult period of changing medications, side effects and regular seizures while trying to navigate his final year of primary school. Through Young Epilepsy, Jamie and his family accessed one-to-one support from a dedicated Youth Support Coordinator and opportunities to connect with other children who understood what he was going through. Today, Jamie is three months seizure-free and using his experience to raise awareness and support others living with epilepsy.
As part of this year’s initiative, CarFest hosted a very special track day at Silverstone, offering ambassadors the opportunity to take part in activities including go-karting at the iconic circuit, a moment designed not only to celebrate their journeys, but to bring the CarFest community and its impact full circle.
Chris Evans, Founder of CarFest, said: “CarFest has always been about more than just a great weekend, it’s about coming together to make a genuine difference. Do More Good Week is our chance to shine a light on the incredible young people and families at the heart of everything we do. Every ticket bought, every experience enjoyed, helps support these life-changing charities, and we’re so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together.”
Funds raised through CarFest are distributed to its charity partners, with half going to BBC Children in Need, alongside ongoing support for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust and Young Epilepsy, as well as additional funding for local initiatives connected to the festival’s host communities.
Do More Good Week reinforces CarFest’s position as more than just a festival; but an experience that brings together music, food, wellbeing and motoring with a clear mission to ‘do more good’. As CarFest prepares to make its debut at Silverstone over the August Bank Holiday weekend (28-30 August 2026), the initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the real-world impact behind the event.
Together, CarFest continues to demonstrate the power of community, and the extraordinary difference that can be made when people come together to Do More Good.
CarFest presented by bp takes place at Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northampton between 28-30 August 2026.
Tickets are available from www.carfest.org
Images supplied
