A 12-YEAR-OLD boy is getting ready to run 5km to raise money for a charity that helped change his life.
CJ Ballantyne is hoping to raise £2,000 for Words and Numbers Matter, a charity that supports people with reading, writing and maths.
The run will take place at La Frégate from 5pm on Tuesday 21 July. This is the third year CJ has organised the event.
CJ has dyslexia, autism, ADHD and Irlen Syndrome. These are conditions that can make it more challenging for someone to process information and learn.
A few years ago, CJ was told he might never learn to read, but he says the charity gave him the help and confidence he needed.
Now in secondary school, CJ explained that the support he received from Words and Numbers Matter has “changed my life in ways I can’t fully put into words”.
The charity provides specialist support for Islanders experiencing difficulties with literacy and numeracy, helping them build skills, confidence and independence.
“Before I found them, I struggled deeply with reading and writing,” said CJ.
“My dreams of going to college, university and even passing my GCSEs felt completely out of reach.
“I was told by some people that I couldn’t do certain things, and over time, I started to believe them.
“I felt embarrassed, hid my struggles and pretended everything was okay, but it wasn’t.”
CJ’s mother, Gemma Ballantyne, said the run had become an important personal challenge for CJ each year.
“This year, he has set himself an ambitious goal of raising £2,000 so that even more children can receive the support they need to achieve their potential,” she explained.
She said her son still faces difficulties every day because of his dyslexia, but he is determined not to give up.
“He has set himself another goal: to pass his English GCSE, no matter how difficult the journey may be. He is determined to do whatever it takes,” said Gemma.
Since the first run in 2024, CJ has raised more than £2,000 for Words and Numbers Matter. Donations can be made on the JustGiving website.
