A 12-year-old boy who was once told he might never learn to read is preparing to take on his third annual charity run to support the organisation that helped change his life.
CJ Ballantyne is aiming to raise £2,000 for Words and Numbers Matter – a local charity which supports islanders with literacy and numeracy difficulties.
The sponsored 5km run will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 21 July, starting and finishing at La Frégate.
This is the third year that CJ has organised the run, which has become an annual event.
CJ – who has dyslexia, autism, ADHD and Irlen Syndrome – first launched the fundraiser in 2024 to give back to the charity he credits with transforming his confidence and outlook for the future.
Now in secondary school, he 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 explained that Words and Numbers Matter had given him far more than reading support, saying: “They gave me belief.”
“Because of them, I’ve learned that with hard work, I can achieve my goals,” he said. “For the first time, my future feels possible.”
CJ’s mother Gemma Ballantyne said the annual run had become an important personal challenge for CJ, who continues to face the daily difficulties associated with dyslexia.
“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.
“This has been his wish for the year, and he has been training hard to complete a 5K run while raising money for a cause that means so much to him.”
Gemma said that moving to secondary school had brought fresh challenges, but that her son remained determined to succeed.
“Living with dyslexia means he often has to work ten times harder than his peers, but he refuses to let that hold him back,” she explained.
“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.”
She added that the family’s experience with Words and Numbers Matter had been life-changing.
“A few years ago, CJ was told that he might never learn to read. Rather than accepting that as his future, he chose to prove otherwise,” she said.
“CJ was welcomed, listened to and supported every step of the way. Because of that support, he now has opportunities he once thought were impossible and a much brighter future ahead of him.”
Gemma added: “By supporting CJ’s Run, you are helping ensure that more children receive the same chance to succeed, believe in themselves, and achieve their dreams.”
Meanwhile, CJ hopes this year’s fundraiser will help ensure other children receive the same opportunities.
“I’m raising money so they can continue helping people like me – people who just need a chance, support and someone to believe in them,” he said.
DONATE…
Islanders who wish to support CJ’s fundraiser can donate here.