Select a region
The mum and close friend of a much-loved local teacher are inviting islanders to race, run or walk from La Fregate this weekend to raise money for suicide prevention.
Cassie Porter, who passed away in 2020 after struggling with her mental health, was an "exuberant" and "outgoing" Year 1 teacher at Rouge Bouillon who joined the school after three years spent abroad in Thailand.
Upon her return to the island Cassie made an instant impact on both her students and the wider Jersey community, with charity Caring Cooks remembering her as an "incredible teacher and a beautiful young lady."
After she passed away in 2020, a fundraiser in memory of Cassie collected over four times its target.
Last year, 'Run for Cass' raised a further £20,000 to raise awareness for suicide prevention - and tomorrow it's back for a second year.
Tom Stead organises the event with the help of Cassie’s mum, Carol Porter.
Pictured: Success - the first Run for Cass took place last year, raising over £20,000 for Thrive Jersey.
“Cassie was a close friend of mine,” said Tom. “In 2019 we participated in a relay race and Cassie was on our team.”
“After we lost her, we knew we wanted to remember her in this way. We wanted to do something positive and make a difference for this crucially important cause.”
A JustGiving page for this year’s event has already succeeded its target of £3,000, with more donations continuing to come in.
All proceeds from the race held last year went to Thrive Jersey. Although the mental health platform will remain a beneficiary, this time Rouge Bouillon School and Jersey Child Care Trust will also receive a share of the donations.
“Cassie loved working with children,” said Tom, “so it felt right to represent her by giving back to the causes that she cared about.”
Pictured: Sunflower - people attending the event are encouraged to wear yellow, Cass's favourite colour and the colour of her favourite flower.
People of all skill levels are welcome to either walk or run along the avenue from La Frégate Café to St Aubin.
New this year is a 20k relay challenge which will consist of four 5km legs that can be ran in teams of 2, 3, or 4 people.
Those wishing to attend the Run for Cass are encouraged to wear yellow and meet on Sunday 6 March at 8.45am.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.