Final 'Run for Kezia' raises thousands for Jersey mental health charities

Still from pkg on the last run for kezia jersey
Around 800 runners participated in this year's 'Run for Kezia', completing either a 2km, 5km or 10km course. Credit: ITV Channel

Hundreds of runners took part in the third and final 'Run for Kezia' in Jersey.

Kezia Mason's school friends set up the annual fun run after she took her own life in 2022 when she was 14 years old.

So far the event has raised £50,000 for local youth mental health charities, with this year's event raising between £10,000 and £13,000.

Kezia's friend Saskia Ruddy said: "We thought it was important to get the message out there about raising awareness about mental health, especially young people's mental health.

"We picked a run because exercise is so good for your mental health and getting outdoors. It was a great way to bring everyone together."

Around 800 islanders completed either the 2km, 5km or 10km course along the Waterfront on Sunday 15 September.

All donations from the event will go towards Kezia's Fund, which distributes donations to 17 charities which provide youth mental health services in Jersey.

The fund was set up by Kezia's father, Rob Mason, whose tireless campaigning and fundraising was recognised last year when he won ITV Channel's Pride of Britain award.

So far, the fund has raised over £200,000.

This year's 'Run for Kezia' was the last, as her friends prepare for university next September.

Kezia's mother Esther Mason said: "It's the start of a new chapter for them, so it's nice that we had such a good turnout this year to end on a bang".

Rob Mason added: "While this is the last Run for Kezia it's not the last event, there are a few things in the planning for next year."

If you or someone you know is feeling low, depressed or just needs somebody to talk to, there are a range of services across the Channel Islands that can help:

JERSEY

Many secondary schools and Highlands College offer counselling too.

GUERNSEY

  • Guernsey Mind on 01481 722 959

  • Guernsey Samaritans on 116 123

  • The Oberlands Centre on 01481 725241 ext. 3561

  • Healthy Minds on 01481 227744/healthyminds@gov.gg

  • Psychological Therapies Team on 01481 225241 ext: 24268 or email PTT@gov.gg

  • The Recovery and Wellbeing Service on 01481 707727

OTHER SUPPORT

You can find more mental health and wellbeing support in the Channel Islands here.