Sadly in June 2009 Luke Williams-Ellis died, the entire team at CHICKS were deeply upset to hear the news as he was a well loved camp volunteer on many occasions.

Since then Luke’s family have raised funds in his memory and here is why:

Nick and Ginny Williams-Ellis

“Losing someone you love is inevitably a deeply distressing event in anyone’s life. Losing a child is almost unimaginably painful. When our eldest son Luke died, we experienced all the emotions that any parents go through in such circumstances. However, we were determined that positive things should come from the tragedy of his loss.

Luke had loved working as a volunteer at CHICKS on three occasions in successive summers and he had always been hugely impressed by the difference that a week at CHICKS made to the lives of the children who visited, as well as by the ongoing commitment and professionalism of the staff who work there on a permanent basis. So it seemed entirely appropriate to ask that at his funeral contributions should be made in aid of CHICKS in his memory. It was a real comfort to us, his family, to know that over £1500 was raised on that occasion and in the days that followed.

Later on, the local film society screened a showing of ‘The End of the Line’, a documentary film about the over-fishing of the world’s oceans, for which Luke had created the campaigning website. Very generously they devoted all the proceeds of the evening to CHICKS, knowing that that is what would have pleased Luke above all.

We can only say that it has been a source not just of comfort, but of genuine pleasure, that Luke’s relatives, friends and even (at the film) people who didn’t necessarily know him personally should have wanted to contribute to making the lives of a number of children that much happier in his memory. We would urge you to consider remembering someone you have loved by raising funds in their memory for the very special work of CHICKS.”

Zoe, one of our camp supervisors at the time had the pleasure of being on camp with Luke...

“Right from the start he was dropped in at the deep end he was full of enthusiasm and instantly bonded with the children. I can remember him always smiling and always willing to go outside and play with the kids as they dragged him out by his arms, often in the pouring rain! He was so popular with the children.

Over the years I have seen hundreds of children and volunteers and when I heard the news about Luke I could instantly see him in my mind. I think that is the key thing about Luke and his time at CHICKS - he made his mark; he made a difference to those children’s lives and showed them what they could achieve and have a fun filled break. We will all miss him.”

The kindness and generosity from Luke’s family has had a huge impact on the children we help and we are truly grateful for their support at such a difficult time.

We keep in touch with Luke’s family and will always remember Luke and how amazing he was.