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Hundreds of islanders turned up to Jardins de la Mer on Sunday as a charity fun run that helps support young people’s mental health – which has raised over £50,000 since it was started in memory of a teenager who took her own life – was held for the last time.
Nearly 800 entrants ran and walked distances of 10km, 5km and 2km as part of Run for Kezia, which began in 2022 in honour of Kezia Mason.
It was the last time that the run will take place, though organisers explained that Kezia’s fund – set up to provide grants and support to organisations supporting mental health amongst children and young people in Jersey – will continue, with future fundraisers being planned.
Kezia’s father, Rob, said: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has organized, sponsored, supported, and participated in Run for Kezia over the past three years.
"Today, with nearly 800 participants, the total distance covered across all events has exceeded 16,500 kilometres, and the funds raised have surpassed £50,000, bringing Kezia’s fund to over £200,000.”
Pictured: The last Run for Kezia took place on Sunday as those behind the initiative prepare to go to university next year.
Mr Mason continued: “Participants today represented ten different decades of birth, from the 1930s to the 2020s, coming together to walk, run, chat, and smile from start to finish.
"Run for Kezia has been a remarkable success, born out of tragic circumstances, and we applaud everyone involved. Your support keeps the message alive: we must all prioritise our own and each other’s mental health.”
Race director Alex Ruddy said that Kezia’s friends who started the initiative will be going to university next year, and that it seemed the right time to bring the run to a close.
“We’ve done it three times. We’ve had a phenomenal response."
Pictured: Nearly 800 entrants ran and walked distances of 10km, 5km and 2km
She continued: "We’ve raised about £50,000 pounds, which is fantastic. Let’s start thinking about doing a different kind of event,” she added, stressing that “we’re not going to stop raising awareness” and “we’re not going to stop raising funds to go into Kezia’s fund”.
“There will be future events and we’re still going to be working on raising those conversations, talking to people, thinking about other initiatives and so on.
“We’re not going to stop, it’s just that Run for Kezia has run its course.”
She also thanked the event’s sponsors as well as everyone who had helped it take place as well as all who had taken part.
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