Isle of Wight teenager Cassidy Ley has taken centre stage at CarFest 2025, sharing her inspiring story with thousands of festivalgoers as an ambassador for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
Cassidy, who is living with a terminal diagnosis, is a regular visitor to Jacksplace, the South’s only hospice for young adults. At the Bank Holiday weekend festival she joined CarFest founder Chris Evans on stage, where she spoke openly about her experiences and the life-changing support she receives.
Her words highlighted how the hospice has made her feel “seen, heard and valued” and how it has given her the chance to create precious memories. The moving appearance resonated deeply with the crowd and was described by Cassidy’s carers and family as “overwhelmingly positive”.
Away from the stage, Cassidy enjoyed all the festival had to offer, including its mix of cars, live music and family activities. A photograph captured on her return to Jacksplace showed her smiling with joy and exhaustion, reflecting the happiness the event brought her.
Karen Sanderson, senior fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, has said:
“CarFest 2025 was, as always, simply a brilliant event. Cassidy and Jack, 2 of our young Jacksplace ambassadors, had an absolute blast. The smiles on their faces said it all. Cassidy’s on stage moment was simply magical and both she and Jack had a fantastic time at the Secret Picnic with Chris Evans and the team.
“Our team of experts at Naomi House & Jacksplace deliver the crucial emotional, developmental, clinical support and care that children and young adults with some of the most complex medical needs. CarFest gave us the very best platform and opportunity to realise these goals and the event provided important and amazing memories for both Cassidy and Jack’s families.”
Founded in 2012 by broadcaster Chris Evans, CarFest is now the UK’s biggest children’s charity fundraising festival. To date, it has raised more than £123,000 for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
