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Team to push car 130 miles in extraordinary charity challenge inspired by young boy's courage

Tuesday, 4 August 2026 14:52

Team ThisisLuke preparing for the push.

A Yorkshire family is preparing to push a car 130 miles from Sheffield to Silverstone in an incredible fundraising challenge inspired by the remarkable courage of 12-year-old Luke Mortimer.

Luke's Big Push will take place from 23rd to 28th August, with family, friends and supporters taking turns pushing a specially prepared Peugeot 207 over six days to raise money for children's charities that have supported Luke and his family.

Luke was just seven years old when he was rushed to hospital after contracting meningitis in December 2019.

Although doctors saved his life, the illness resulted in all four of his limbs being amputated.

Despite the life-changing challenges he has faced, Luke has become an inspiration to many through his determination, resilience and positive outlook.

Luke went on to win a Pride of Britain award for Child of Courage.

The challenge will see the team cover 130 miles between Sheffield and Silverstone, tackling more than 7,000 feet of climbing and an estimated 57 hours of pushing time.

The journey has been organised to finish at CarFest, the family festival founded by broadcaster Chris Evans.

Since it began in 2012, CarFest has raised more than £28 million for children's charities, many of which have supported Luke and his family throughout their journey.

Their push will raise money for:

Children in Need
Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust
Rainbow Trust
Teenage Cancer Trust
Starlight
Young Epilepsy

Organisers say the challenge is their way of giving something back while helping other families facing similar circumstances.

The campaign is encouraging people to sponsor every mile of the journey, with all funds raised supporting children's charities connected to CarFest.

Supporters are also being invited to follow Luke's progress throughout the six-day challenge and help spread the word as the team prepares for one of the most demanding charity events of the summer.

Donations and more information about the challenge are available on the campaign's website here.

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