A FUNDRAISING family have completed the latest step of their charity's journey in memory of their late son.
Luke Bell, from Darlington, tragically died in 2018 just two days before Christmas after being diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma - a rare childhood cancer that gave him little chance of survival.
The eight-year-old loved to play and watch rugby with his family.
Dad Mark, mum Becky and sister Alysha were determined to continue his legacy after his death and help other families faced with similar tragic news.
The family formed the Team Luke Foundation and say it aims to make more people aware of neuroblastoma, help parents access key services and to fund research to improve diagnosis.
Up to £40,000 has been raised by the charity so far, and fundraising was boosted by three 50km treks from Roseberry Topping, North Yorkshire, to Whitby across three weekends in July in partnership with Robustours.
Luke's mum Becky completed all three treks alongside family, friends and strangers all keen to raise money for the charity.
Although Mark, 39, was nursing an injury he was heartened by the support. He said: "Both points and places along the route have personal meanings to the family and Luke.
"It was a real success and they were all really tough events.
"We've done lots of fundraising in the past but this time we had lots of people we didn't know, which is testament to the foundation and the work we do."
The foundation's various fundraising events, Mark says, help the family deal with the difficult and tragic circumstances of losing their son and brother.
"The plan moving forward is to continue to run events and we're really keen to get more people on board," Mark said.
"The fundraising events can trigger a lot of emotion in the family. It's only been two-and-a-half years so it's still really raw but the support we get is hugely humbling.
"There's a huge amount of love still out there for Luke and the people really buy into his legacy and keeping his memory alive.
"It's clear that every small bit of fundraising we do the people are really getting involved and there's a real emotional connection.
"It can still be tough at times but it's so reassuring to see the support from everyone."
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