Mum organises 'Walks of Hope' in memory of teen daughter

Monday 15 May 2023

The mother of a Jersey-born student who died last year after struggling with her mental health has organised 'Walks of Hope' in the Channel Islands to mark one year since her passing, while raising awareness of anxiety and depression in young people.

Elizabeth Emily Borman was born in Jersey but moved to Guernsey as a young child. She attended primary school there before being awarded a place at Guernsey Grammar School at the age of 11.

Elizabeth studied at the grammar school for three years before moving back to Jersey ahead of her GCSE studies.

Pictured: Elizabeth and her mother, Natalia.

That means she would have been sitting her exams over the coming weeks alongside other teenagers, but sadly she died on 5 May 2022 - shortly after moving to Jersey. 

Elizabeth's mother, Natalia has described her death as "tragic" and has said she wants to use the loss of her youngest child to "raise awareness of mental health in young people" and to raise money for Mind Jersey's Youthful Minds project in Jersey.

The 'Walk of Hope' will be held between Noirmont Point and St. Aubin in Jersey this weekend.  A similar event was held in Guernsey last weekend in aid of the island's Youth Commission.

Pictured: A playlist of Elizabeth Borman's favourite songs has been put together ahead of two walks in her memory. The playlist can be found HERE.

Both events are being attended by Elizabeth's mother, and older siblings Mike and Katia.

There was no formal event to remember Elizabeth after her death, so her mum now hopes that can happen at both 'Walk of Hope' events.

"I used to call her Veta," said Natalia. "I am Russian by origin and Elizabeth would sound as Elizaveta in Russian. Affectionate for Veta is Vetochka and that means small branch of the tree.

"My mother Ludmila named Elizabeth in honour of English Queen Elizabeth II because my mother adored her taste, ruling, strength, wisdom, outfits and her smile no matter what."

She continued: "Elizabeth easily passed her exams to Guernsey Grammar school after Year 6. She followed her sister Katia (21 years old now) and her big brother Michael (23.5 years old now) footsteps and excelled in her studies."

Pictured: Elizabeth grew up in Guernsey before moving back to Jersey - where she was born - as a teenager.

However, she explained her concerns that poor mental health in young people is "on the rise".

With that in mind, Natalia said: "The aim of this walk is to raise awareness of mental health in young people and to raise money for [Mind Jersey's] Youthful Minds project."

She said that "all are welcome to participate, young and old".

Jersey's 'Walk of Hope' will start at 10:00 on Saturday 20 May and last for approximately one hour.

The walk with begin at Noirmont Point with a welcome from Natalia, before ending at St. Aubin's Church. Refreshments and cakes will be provided at the finish, where prizes will also be awarded for fastest and most courageous walkers, and for top fundraiser.

There will also be a short tribute to Elizabeth, and the opportunity to view a film of memories, and to purchase a commemorative book.

Pictured: The news of Elizabeth's death was met with shock in Guernsey last May.

Natalia explained that all participants are invited - but not obliged - to collect sponsorship for Mind Jersey's Youthful Minds project. Donations can be made through the charity's JustGiving page. She asks that anyone donating marks their donation for 'teenagers' to ensure that funds are directed towards young people.

She added: "Please share with anyone you know that either knew Elizabeth Emily Borman or have had personal experiences of having the loss of a loved one from mental health."

She hopes that people will gather in both islands for the walks to raise awareness of the rise of young people struggling with personal worries and anxieties. 

More information about Jersey's 'Walk of Hope' can be found on the event's Facebook page.