Devon teenager takes part in 120km charity run in memory of friends

A teenager has taken on a 120km (75 mile) charity running challenge in memory of her friends.

Jasmine Barker, from Ivybridge, surpassed her £1,000 target, raising more than £1,400 for mental health charity Young Devon by completing the race alongside her GCSEs.

“A lot of my friends have mental health issues and I've lost a few, so I wanted to raise money for Young Devon,” the 16-year-old said.

Young Devon's general manager Andy Moreman said they were “impressed by his efforts” and his commitment to helping others.

Jasmine took on the challenge throughout May, running along the coast and through the Devon countryside.

“Mental health is often invisible and will go unnoticed if we don't talk about it,” she said.

“Young people need to know that there are people they can talk to so they don't feel isolated or alone. »

Speaking about how “super proud” he was of his daughter, Jasmine's dad Kevin said: “A lot has happened in the last year and Jasmine has found it really difficult and challenging.”

The teenager, who also plays football for Exeter City Women's reserve team, was due to run 100km but struck a deal with her uncle to do an extra 20km.

She said he promised that if she did this, he would buy her new football boots.

Andy Moreman, Chief Executive of Young Devon, said: “To meet young people like Jasmine who want to come out and support their friends and support their community is inspiring and it blows us away.”

He said the money raised by Jasmine would be used to fund additional counseling for young people.

Young Devon has been supporting young people in Devon since 1949.

With a dedicated team of 180 staff, 60 host families and 75 volunteers, the association provides services ranging from wellbeing support to accommodation and skills development.

Its outreach program helps people in rural areas access the help they need.