Run for Cass returns for fourth year in memory of "bubbly" Jersey teacher

Sunday 04 February 2024

A much-loved islander is to be remembered next month when runners and walkers take to Victoria Avenue dressed in yellow.

The ‘Run for Cass’ event is set to return for a forth year on 3 March and will see participants raise money and awareness of suicide prevention in memory of "bubbly" teacher Cassie Porter.

Participants are invited to don yellow attire and run or walk from La Frégate to St. Aubin.

This year's run will raise money for Rouge Bouillon School, where Cassie taught, and Brighter Futures, a keyworker support charity aiding families and young people in Jersey.

Cassie Porter, who passed away in 2020 following struggles with her mental health, was an "outgoing" Year 1 teacher at Rouge Bouillon School.

The following year, Cassie's close friends Tom Stead, Samantha Jones and Adam Lester, and Cassie's mum Carol Porter decided to organise the 'Run for Cass' event to raise money for local charities in her name.

In its first year, the run raised £20,000 for Thrive Jersey, a local organisation that develops community-wide initiatives to tackle the high suicide rate in the island. 

Subsequent runs in 2022 and 2023 continued to support Thrive Jersey along with Rouge Bouillon School, the Jersey Child Care Trust, and Room 2 Talk therapy services.

The funds from 'Run for Cass' have already made a tangible difference, including the installation of a new outdoor area at Rouge Bouillon School – a project Cassie had envisioned during her time as the school's eco teacher.

This year's event will be taking place on 3 March for a 09:00 start. Those taking part will meet at La Frégate Cafe and run (or walk) to St Aubin and back. 

The organisers are encouraging everyone to wear yellow on the day to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Yellow was Cassie's favourite colour and the colour of her favourite flower: the sunflower.