19 Aug 2024
Almost £2,000 was raised at a charity festival in memory of a beloved friend, husband and father who tragically lost his life to cancer the day after his 40th birthday.
Luke Harris was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in December 2017, and passed away during the first Covid lockdown on March 29 2020, leaving behind his wife Karen and three children, Freya, Sam and Tilly.
Because of the pandemic restrictions, a memorial did not take place until August 2021, and was attended by more than 200 people, proof of how much he was loved.
Taking place at the Elephant and Castle in Wheathampstead, and now in its second year, Lukefest was the creation of his long-term friend Nick Alsop, a member of popular local covers band The 88, raising money for Isabel Hospice, which supported Luke right up until his death.
Nick explained: “Somewhere in the midst of my personal grief, the idea came to me that we could perpetuate his name, through one of his biggest loves and raise money for a great cause whilst doing it. There’s nothing we can do to stop the inevitability of death, although we all hope it will come to us much later in life. But cancer is a dick and doesn’t care.
“We can however, keep as much of the ones we loved alive by sharing their memories and talking about them often. I’ll never get to see my mate again, but I can keep his name alive for as long as I’m able whilst promoting live music, raising money and getting people together to celebrate music and life in one glorious swoop.”
With the support of Nick Farr, landlord of The Elephant and Castle, and his entire team, the first Lukefest took place in torrential rain in July 2023. Fortunately the weather at the second event proved much kinder.
“We knew we wanted to make this one better so acquired a proper stage (thanks to Blitz Hire Ltd Welham Green for this) and a decent marquee (thanks to BK Marquee Hire). Our good friend Jason McFarlane loaned the sound system and not only that, ran the sound all day. We had so many donations of raffle prizes we can’t be grateful enough, and thanks to Karen, Mary and Anna for helping with that during the day.
“Ben Thorp, formerly of Luke’s football team Pinewood FC brought his vintage football shirt and clothing store Santi Vestiti and not only donated 20% of his takings but also provided a vintage shirt for the raffle. Also the Ice Cream Cab donated 10% of their takings and was there with delicious ice creams for us all day.
“Lastly the acts, who all donated their time freely. Opening with Ysabelle Cooper followed by Rob Alsop. Then came Paul Littler of St Albans’ very own Maida Vales. Our first band of the night was Narcotic Hearts and then The 88 closed the night to an amazing crowd and topped of the day we all knew it could be.
“We are so so grateful to everyone that came and supported throughout the day. The atmosphere all day was incredible and I feel so so lucky to have been able to put on this amazing event and have it go off as it did.
“We are still counting the donations, but so far have exceeded £1,800 which all goes directly to the hospice. Most importantly, we have started something. Something incredible that I hope can go on for years to come, getting bigger and better and raising more and more money for this cause that is so close to our hearts.”
