M5 convoy of MX5s to mark anniversary of Gloucester man’s death in car crash
The mum of a young man who lost his life in a car crash is organising a convoy of MX5s to drive along a route[1] starting on the M5 in Gloucester on October 13, to mark a year of his death in 2023. It is hoped others can join the family and add to the convoy[2] with their MX5s, on the route, as the young man had a real passion[3] for the make of car and loved his own MX5. .
Luke Thurston, from Gloucester[4], died age 20, on the evening October 13. He died on the A46, Redhill, near Alcester, on the Stratford stretch between Alcester and Stratford, in Warwickshire.
The evening Luke died, the weather was terrible with torrential rain. A lake of water on the road had formed due to water running out of a nearby field, and the drains on the road were blocked.
The terrible conditions caused Luke’s car to aquaplane and collide with an oncoming HGV lorry. The inquest confirmed Luke had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the incident, there was no evidence of speeding, and it was proved at the inquest he had not been distracted by a mobile phone, he died instantly in a tragic accident.
Luke Thurston, from Gloucester, died age 20, on the evening October 13. He died on the A46, Redhill, near Alcester, on the Stratford stretch between Alcester and Stratford, in Warwickshire
Luke was the only son to his mother Shelley Hutchinson and father Marcus Thurston, and has a sister Beau Thurston, 14. Luke’s mother has described her son as being ‘full of love and life and would do anything for anyone, and had the most beautiful winning smile’.
Luke was a Gloucester man through and through. He went to Longlevens Infants and Junior School and on to Newent Community School. He worked in Sainsbury’s Barnwood, for three years after leaving Gloucester College.
Then Luke worked for Adrian Flux, an insurance company, for four months until he was tragically killed. He loved his job and was flourishing and adored by all his team.
Mother Shelley said: “Luke was full of love and life and would do anything for anyone, even driving to a friend’s house no matter what the time was, if they were struggling with their mental health, and would sit and talk with them or take them out for a drive.
Luke Thurston, from Gloucester, died in a car accident age 20, on the evening October 13. His mother, Shelley Hutchinson is organising a convoy of MX5’s to mark a year of her son passing away (Image: Shelley Hutchinson and Luke Thurston)
“He had the most beautiful winning smile. He was humble and authentic, and had a lust for life, with a wicked sense of humour to boot.
“He was generous to a fault. Although he believed he was socially awkward, and did suffer himself with mental health issues, yet he had the ability to connect with so many people.
“He was my best friend and I am truly blessed to have spent almost 21 years with him by my side. We had an incredibly close mum and son bond and Luke and I would always hug as ‘hugs make everything better’.
Shelley said: “We had an incredibly close mum and son bond and Luke and I would always hug as ‘hugs make everything better’” (Image: Shelley Hutchinson and Luke Thurston)
“His family and friends and I will always fondly remember him as the fun loving lad who could light up any room. He has left a huge gaping hole in our hearts and lives, and the hearts of the whole car community.”
From an early age, Luke loved all things cars. As he got older his enthusiasm for cars and being involved in the car community grew. He purchased his first car, the Eunosroadster MX5 when he was 17-years-old and learnt to drive in it with L plates on.
He gained a large following on TikTok with his username @ltt_miata and his bio ‘that kid who bought a MIATA and can’t afford insurance’. Luke did eventually manage to buy insurance for the car and hence changed his bio to ‘can afford insurance’.
He gained a large following on TikTok with his username @ltt_miata and his bio ‘that kid who bought a MIATA and can’t afford insurance’ (Image: Shelley Hutchinson and Luke Thurston)
Shelley said: “Luke was a passionate car enthusiast and cars and driving were his life. He was especially passionate about his Japanese import 1991 Mazda MK1 Eunosroadster MX5, and was in the process of rebuilding and modifying it along with his friends in the car community.
“Luke loved all things Japanese, from clothing brands to Anime, Sushi, cherry blossom and of course cars. He intended to visit Japan one day as he loved their culture. I continue to try to keep Luke’s memory alive through his MX5 by taking it to car shows whenever I can. I would like to eventually spread some of Luke’s ashes in Japan.
“In his short time of driving he also owned a Celica and a BMW E46. He would regularly go out to car meets and frequently visited Caffeine & Machine in Stratford.
Luke Thurston will be remembered during a convoy on the anniversary of this death (Image: Shelley Hutchinson and Luke Thurston)
“I am organising a convoy #LTTCONVOY to mark the first year of Luke’s death and the convoy will take place on Sunday ,October 13, which falls exactly one year to the date he died. I would love for as many MX5s to be involved as possible however anyone who would like to attend is welcome in any car to honour my beautiful boy.
“The convoy will begin promptly at noon from Gloucester North Services farm shop, so please aim to get there at least an hour earlier if you can. The services shall provide a free drink to everyone who is part of the convoy and there will also be a free cake from Amy’s Delights, one of Luke’s friends who bakes delicious cakes.
“The route of the convoy will go past the crash site on the A46 Stratford Road where Luke was fatally killed and then on to Caffeine & Machine, The Hill in Stratford where Caffine & Machine have kindly offered complimentary free entry to all those involved in the convoy, however a booking and a code will be needed to gauge numbers and guarantee free entry.
“I would like to urge everyone who wishes to attend to respect other road users and to drive safely. I would like for this to be an uplifting event to remember my boy.”
The convoy is free to join and this will also be a charity event with any donations made on the day going to MIND. I am also designing a hoodie to be part of a raffle that will take place at Caffeine & Machine with all proceeds going to MIND. To join the convoy please search #LTTCONVOY via Facebook, Instagram and/or TikTok or contact Shelley @bagged_eunosroadster_mum (Instagram) or @Zepster77 (TikTok)
To get FREE entry to C&M you must book on their events page in advance using a code. LTTCONVOY will be hosted alongside Best of British at C&M and all details and links can be found on #LTTCONVOY event page created on Facebook.
The convoy route and times
All times for the convoy route are approximate and dependant on weather and traffic conditions.
The route is as follows: Prompt noon start M5 Gloucester North Services farm shop. On to M5 Strensham North Services, exit M5 J7 Worcester South.
Continue onto the A44, to the A4440. Then on to the A44 to A422 to Alcester, meeting at the A46 Services (with McDonalds).
Driving onto the A46, Stratford Road, passing Luke’s crash site, before heading along the A422 leading to Caffeine & Machine Stratford to arrive at approximately 1.45pm.
References
- ^ drive along a route (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ add to the convoy (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ the young man had a real passion (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Gloucester (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)