Local Berkshire man, 53, announced as Ambassador for Mental Health Charity, My Black Dog’ in support of Chris Evans’ CarFest presented by bp pulse

Published: 20th March 2024
Read Time: 6 mins

Introducing 11 ambassadors of its charity partners, inspiring everyone to #DoMoreGood

(Dom, 53, pictured above, from Berkshire, is this year’s ambassador)

CarFest presented by bp pulse, the renowned family-fundraising festival founded by Chris Evans, is on a mission to #DoMoreGood and continue to make a difference to the lives of young children and their families across the UK. All the festival’s attendees are directly helping to create a positive impact, as a percentage of every ticket sold goes towards eight amazing charities - helping kids, teens, and families up and down the country.

The family-fundraising festival has unveiled 11 individuals as the ‘Faces’ of this year's Do More Good Week initiative, with each one serving as a representative for one of the festival's eight charity partners. These partnerships result in crucial funding, directly enhancing and transforming lives across the UK. Throughout this week (Monday 25th March to Sunday 31st March), the chosen individuals are opening up and sharing their impactful stories, providing festival-goers with a profound understanding of the real-life difference their attendance makes.

Launched in 2012, CarFest, has been a stalwart supporter of UK children’s charities, generating over £25 million for its charitable partners since its inception. Scheduled over the Bank Holiday weekend of 23rd-25th August at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, CarFest presented by bp pulse will feature seven distinct yet connected festivals in one: AdventureFest, FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, StarFest, SpaFest, and, of course, CarFest!

Dom, 53, a volunteer for My Black Dog, is this year’s ambassador and the embodiment of this mental health charity. My Black Dog helps remove the stigma attached to mental-health, allowing its users to remain anonymous.

Dom’s own personal struggle with mental health began in 2017 when he was diagnosed with depression. His mental health worsened in 2018, which led to Dom attempting to take his own life through a mixture of sleeping tablets and alcohol. It was this drastic act that led to him voluntarily entering a mental health ward. Fortunately, Dom survived and was cared for in hospital.This proved to be a cathartic experience, helping him to discover a support network at My Black Dog and learn that he wasn’t alone. It was this experience that led Dom to volunteer with the charity, and to become this year’s representative for Do More Good Week.

Speaking about the work of My Black Dog, Dom states:

“I have learnt that if you are open with people about how you feel, they are more likely to help than turn away. I volunteer at My Black Dog as a way of giving back. I never want anyone to get to the point I did, and I want to make sure they know someone is always there to listen to them”.

CarFest presented by bp pulse significantly contributes to the mission of My Black Dog, which is rooted in the mantra, "talk to someone who gets it." Each and every ticket sold actively supports connecting individuals who share lived experiences, establishing an empathetic and non-judgmental space where everyone understands the challenges of mental health struggles.

Founder Chris Evans expressed, “CarFest exists for one purpose – to raise as much money as possible for UK based children’s charities. The fact that every single visitor to CarFest directly impacts how much we raise and how we help people like Dom is what makes it so special. Do More Good Week is about coming together as a community to make even more of a difference in the lives of others less fortunate around the added heat of our spring launch for this year’s main event”.

Of course, CarFest wouldn’t be complete without a line-up of star-studded talent! X- Factor icon Olly Murs,Eurovision heavyweight Sam Ryder, queen of British soul and our hearts Beverley Knight, pop rock legends Scouting for Girls, and reggae pop fusion pioneers UB40 ft Ali Campbell are just a few of the musical treats in store. Stay tuned for regular talent announcements, including the return of festival favourites and lots of new special guests.

Beyond the music, CarFest presented by bp pulse will host celebrities such as actor Rob Brydon, car aficionado James May, astronaut Tim Peake, and comedian Ben Miller along with renowned chefs and wellness experts. See these captivating personalities as they share hilarious and heartwarming anecdotes and unveil inside scoops, ensuring an enthralling experience all weekend!

Since its inception in 2012, the festival’s core mission has been to raise funds for UK children's charities. In 2024, the festival will be supporting BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, My Black Dog, Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, and the local Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jacksplace.

The brainchild of radio presenter Chris Evans, the festival will be entering its 13th edition this August, and it promises to be the best yet. With enough activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained, it’s the perfect way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tickets are now on sale at www.carfest.org.

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Editors notes

About CarFest

CarFest is the brainchild of radio presenter Chris Evans. Featuring an incredible combination of cars, food, live music and family entertainment, the inaugural weekend event was staged at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire in August 2012.

Fundraising details: All profits from CarFest, including a percentage of the price of each ticket, will be donated to UK children’s charities.

BBC Children in Need (a charity registered in England and Wales under number 802052 and in Scotland under number SC039557) will receive 50% of the total funds raised.
The following six charities will each receive 7% of the total funds raised:
Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (Registered Charity No.1096491 in England & Wales and SCO44013 in Scotland)
My Black Dog (Registered Charity No.1182690 in England & Wales)
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity (Registered Charity No. 1070532)
Starlight Children’s Foundation (Registered Charity No.1062559 in England & Wales and SC039757 in Scotland)
Teenage Cancer Trust (Registered Charity No.1062559 in England & Wales and SC039757)
Young Epilepsy (Registered Charity No. Charity 311877 in England & Wales).
Local Hampshire based hospice, Naomi's House & Jacksplace (Registered Charity No.1002832), will receive 2% of funds.
The remaining 6% will be donated to a number of other charities that will be confirmed over the coming months, including charities local to CarFest event sites.

2024 HEADLINE PARTNER:

bp pulse is the headline partner for CarFest 2024

bp pulse provides fast charging for electric vehicles. The bp pulse EV charging network is one of the UK’s largest – and includes the UK's biggest public EV charging hub at the NEC in Birmingham.

Plug into fast, rapid and ultra-fast chargers – in ultra-convenient locations. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or staying in a hotel – just plug in, power up and go.

2024 FEATURE PARTNERS:

CarFest is supported by a number of key partners:

Costa Coffee is the Official Coffee of CarFest and host of The Big Early
Cuisinart is the Food Experiences Partner
Dulux is the SpaFest Stage Partner
Kwik Fit and Michelin are the Track, Motorsport Paddock & Driver's Lounge Partner
Napoleon Grills is the Big BBQ Cookout Partner
Skoda is the Explore-More Stage Partner
Timothy Taylor's hosts the BarFest Arms at the festival

SUPPORTED BY:

The festival is also supported by: