Participants in last month’s Run4Kezia event have raised an impressive £15,000, and donations are still pouring in.
Run4Kezia was established by Saskia Ruddy, Tilly Welsh and Lily Barker – close friends of Kezia Mason – after Kezia tragically died from suicide aged 14 in 2022.
The funds raised at Run4Kezia will go towards Kezia’s Fund which has raised nearly £150,000 since its creation earlier this year. The aim of Kezia’s Fund is to support the mental health of children and young people aged 5 to 25 in Jersey, as well as their families.
Kezia’s Fund is already assisting projects that play a crucial role in nurturing the mental wellbeing of our young Islanders, with the first round of funding awarded to 11 charitable projects earlier this summer.
Alexandra Ruddy, Saskia’s mum and Race Director of Run4Kezia, expressed her appreciation for the overwhelming support received saying: “The Run4Kezia community is truly remarkable. Together, over 800 runners have not only helped us to raise vital funds, but also awareness of the importance of children’s mental health. This is a testament to the power of our Island community’s determination and compassion.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to our sponsors – Oben Law + Regulatory, Vaiie, Rathbones Group Plc and Grant Thornton Channel Islands – who have been instrumental in making this event a resounding success.
“I’d also like to thank 3D Events, Funktion Fitness, Alan Duchemin Opticians, the Co-op, Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls who provided their time and support at no charge to us. Special recognition also goes to Grant Thornton Channel Islands for their extraordinary generosity, topping up their sponsorship with an additional £3,400.”
Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, which administers Kezia’s Fund, shared her thoughts on the impact of the Run4Kezia campaign, saying: “This incredible show of solidarity reinforces our belief in the Jersey community’s ability to make a positive change. The funds raised will be channelled into Kezia’s Fund, enabling us to continue supporting initiatives that champion the mental wellbeing of our youth. We’re deeply grateful to all involved.”
Donations continue to stream in, and the Run4Kezia team is excited about the potential to make an even greater impact on children’s mental health in the coming years. The next deadline for local charitable projects to apply for funding from Kezia’s Fund is 21 January 2024.
To make a donation, please visit here.
Pictured: Eloise Morel, Ella du Feu and Saskia Ruddy
