Funds from charity swim run to help young care leavers

Thursday 28 September 2023

Thousands of pounds raised by the partner and son of a “super fit” islander who died suddenly this summer will be used to support three young care leavers to have independent lives.

Steve De Sousa – described by his family as an "accomplished athlete" who lived a healthy lifestyle – died on 1 July, aged 54.

His 22-year-old son Ollie De Sousa and partner Alexis Dolling competed in this month's 20km Swim Run Jersey event in his memory.

The course around the north coast involved a continuous run and swim, with five swim legs totalling 4.5k and six run legs totalling 15.5k.

Pictured: Ollie and Alexis in training earlier this month.

The duo finished the "gruelling" challenge in four hours and 16 mins.

While Ollie and Alexis set out to raise £1,000 for their chosen charity, Brightly Jersey, which helps children and young people, they have now raised over £6,000, and also chose to donate £270 in lieu of flowers from Steve's funeral.

Brightly Jersey thanked the pair on social media, saying: "The funds will be put towards our Independent Moving-On Grant (IMOG) to support three young people who are aged between 18 and 25 years and have been under the care of the Children's Services and wish to live independently."

The grant is for £2,500 each and is used to purchase furniture, white goods, homeware, electric devices, clothing for job interviews with the assistance of their social worker.

It can also be used to help cover the deposits on independent accommodation, and the board will consider any item that the applicant would wish to spend the money on that is appropriate and would benefit their independence.

On their decision to support Brightly, Alexis said: "Steve's childhood was very humble and he often spoke with Ollie about the challenges he faced growing up.

"Steve was a talented footballer and he shared stories of how his teachers had often helped him by providing kit and taking him to matches.

Pictured: Steve De Sousa was remembered as an "accomplished athlete" and someone who "always used to help other people". 

"These helping hands enabled Steve to have these sporting opportunities, representing the school and developing into an accomplished athlete across a number of sports.

"What that teacher did for Steve is what we want to do now, to pay along the favour."

"Brightly is a charity specifically for children and young people in, or on the edge of, the care system and they provide grants to enhance childhoods and enable independence.

"Ollie feels that Steve would be a strong supporter of Brightly and resonate with the work that they do."