A seven-year-old Spalding boy is taking ‘Lightning’ strides to bring an adored replica cartoon car back to life after it was destroyed by fire leaving a children’s birthday party.
The Lightning McQueen Rust-eze car, from Disney’s Cars film, was built in memory of four-year-old Dylan Cecil, who was swept out to sea at Burnham-on-Sea.
Later a Piston Cup version of the car from Cars 2 was also added to the fleet to raise money for charity.
Jake Winkett, of Royce Road, is a huge fan of the films and couldn’t believe his eyes when the Piston Cup car rolled up at his birthday party.
Mum Julie said: “Jake sobbed when he saw it – he was so happy. You can imagine how he felt when he heard the Rust-eze had caught fire leaving another party and had ‘died’.
”I’ve seen the effect the cars have on children. I think it’s a really good cause and Jake was determined to help.”
A Bring McQueen Back to Life fair is being held at St Paul’s Church Hall on Saturday, May 11, where children will have the opportunity of being pictured with another of the Barrows’ cars, Lightning McQueen 2.
The Lightning McQueen cars, owned by Michelle and James Barrow, are popular visitors to parties in the area. They have also been booked to appear at a steam fair at Baytree Nurseries Garden Centre in August.
Proceeds from the parties and public appearances go to various charities and the NCTLC Trust that helps families with children who have a terminal illness.
An overwhelmed Michelle said: “Jake has become our little mascot – it’s fantastic what he’s doing. We can’t bring Dylan back or stop a child from dying, but we can raise smiles and make memories.”