CJ's Run returns for third year in a row - Jersey Evening Post
by Antonia Rubio · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
CJ’s Run returns for third year in a row
by Antonia Rubio 7 June 20265 June 2026
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A SCHOOLBOY 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 (12) is aiming to raise £2,000 for Words and Numbers Matter, a local charity which supports children, young people and adults with literacy and numeracy difficulties.
The sponsored 5km run, which has become an annual event, will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 21 July, starting and finishing at La Frégate after running to the Kiosk and back.
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 said that the support he received from Words and Numbers Matter has “changed my life in ways I can’t fully put into words”.
CJ said: “Before I found them, I struggled deeply with reading and writing.
“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 the organisation had given him far more than reading support, adding: “They gave me belief. Because of them, I’ve learned that with hard work, I can achieve my goals. For the first time, my future feels possible.
“Now, instead of hearing ‘you might not pass’, my mum is telling me I can have a massive party when I pass my English GCSE – and honestly, that means everything. I never thought she’d agree to it.”
His mother, Gemma, said the annual run had become an important personal challenge for CJ, who continues to face the daily difficulties associated with dyslexia.
“CJ’s Run is now an annual event and 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 said.
“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.”
Ms Ballantyne 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 said. “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. With the invaluable support of Words and Numbers, he has made incredible progress.”
His mother continued: “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.”
Islanders who wish to support CJ’s fundraising challenge can donate through his JustGiving.
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