A seven-year-old Spalding boy who took lightning action to bring an adored replica cartoon car back to life after it was destroyed by fire will have his name featured on it.
Jake Winkett and his mum, Julie, raised £370 by organising a fundraising fair, which will help sticker the new Lightning McQueen Rust-eze from Disney’s Cars and feature ‘Sponsored by the Community’ on the side.
As well as Jake’s name, the car will also feature that of Dylan Cecil – a four-year-old who was swept out to sea at Burnham-on-Sea and for whom a memorial fund, raising money for charity, was formed.
Julie, of Royce Road, said: “Jake was very emotional when I found out that his name was going to be on the new car.
“I’ve seen the effect the cars have on children. I think it’s a really good cause and Jake was determined to help.”
Visitors to the fair got the chance to admire a replica of Hudson Hornet from Cars 2.
Julie said: “It was an emotional day as it was close to Dylan’s birthday and Jake released a balloon for him.”
As well as the £370 made on the day, Jake raised £100 through a sponsored car wash.
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 at Weston in August.
Proceeds from parties and public appearances go to various charities and the NCTLC Trust that helps families with children who have a terminal illness.
Julie said: “The Barrows are lovely people and deserve all the support they get. I would do anything for them.”
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 make memories.”