A CHARITY run in memory of a Jersey teenager who took her own life has generated £20,000, with the funds to be used to raise awareness of mental-health issues.
The Run for Kezia event took place on Saturday 10 September in honour of Kezia Mason, a 14-year-old Jersey College for Girls student who died in March.
The event was organised by Islanders Saskia Ruddy, Tilly Welsh and Lily Barker, who were friends of Kezia.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, Kezia’s aunt, said: ‘It’s an incredible figure that they raised for a group of girls who have had a tough few months; they had their lives turned upside down.
‘It was really inspiring.’
Hundreds of runners took part, taking on either 2km, 5km or 10km routes, setting off from the Waterfront.
‘It was such a great thing to see so many young people up early and talking about mental health at 8, 9, 10am in the morning,’ Deputy Stephenson added.
A Twitter post from the Run for Kezia account said: ‘Jersey you are amazing! Run for Kezia grand total is in and we raised £20,000! Not only did we get everyone talking about supporting good MH [mental health] in young people, we raised valuable funds in support (how is yet to be determined).’
Another member of the public reacted to the post by saying: ‘All credit to you guys. Having taken part myself with the wife and youngest (eight-year-old) it felt like and was a great success bringing a lot of people together and talking.’
The success of the charity run has led to talks of the Run for Kezia becoming an annual event. Alex Ruddy, Saskia’s mother, said in September: ‘One of the sponsors phoned me up and told me they hoped the event would be held annually.
‘So many people want it to happen again, as well as those who weren’t able to attend wanting the chance to take part.
‘Despite the day being in remembrance of Kezia and taking part on Suicide Prevention Day, everyone had a smile on their face knowing it was for an amazing cause.’
