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An annual run set up in memory of a teenager who took her own life will not continue after this year's event – but organisers have pledged to keep campaigning for young people's mental health.
Run for Kezia 2024 – which is set to take place on Sunday 15 September – will be the last iteration of the annual event.
The run was set up in memory of Kezia Mason, who took her own life in 2022, aged 14.
A fundraiser set up in the aftermath of her death raised over £120,000 and this money – as well as the money raised through Run for Kezia each year – goes to a charitable fund set up in Kezia's name to support young people's mental health.
Pictured: Kezia Mason took her own life in 2022, when she was 14 years old.
Run for Kezia was organised by three of Kezia's friends, who will now be entering Year 13.
Race director Alex Ruddy explained that they would be off to university next year, and that Freshers' Week would coincide with the September dates for the run.
"This is probably time to call it a day," she said.
"What we don't want is for people to stop the conversations about supporting good mental health in our young people."
In a statement released yesterday, organisers said: "Run for Kezia 2024 will be our final run.
"We have been humbled and delighted by your support, and thrilled by the total of money raised, the costumes and the conversations we have had."
"Kezia's Fund will continue to do its good work and we are thinking about other events that could raise money to contribute to the fund."
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— Run for Kezia (@Run4Kezia) August 28, 2024
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They added: "The time is right to announce that it is our last run.
"The three girls who started this initiative are about to start Year 13 and then will be off to explore other opportunities.
"Please watch this space while we dream up something special."
Pictured (L-R): Kezia's friends Eloise Morel, Ella du Feu and Saskia Ruddy
Earlier this year, organisers of the run announced that they were working on sporting activities and groups aimed at teenagers, who typically drop out of sports around the age of 12 or 13.
Alex confirmed that this initiative is continuing, with a running club being set up, as well as a football sessions being run in collaboration with Wednesday Night FC.
The final 'Run for Kezia' will take place on Sunday 15 September.
Sign-ups are now open, with over 400 runners already registered.
Alex encouraged islanders to sign up and help the event "go out with a bang".
You can register online via RaceNation.
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