Teenager takes on charity run in memory of friends

Jasmine Barker said she wanted to do the challenge to support the Young Devon mental health charity

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

Jasmine Barker, from Ivybridge, smashed her £1,000 target, raising over £1400 for mental health charity, Young Devon, by completing the run alongside her GCSEs.

"Lots of my friends struggle with mental health and I have lost a few so I wanted to raise some money for Young Devon," the 16-year-old said.

Young Devon chief executive, Andy Moreman, said they were "in awe of her efforts" and her commitment to helping others.

Jasmine literally went the extra mile during her challenge, taking on an extra 20km

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

“Mental health is often invisible and will go unnoticed unless we talk about it," she said.

"Young people need to know that there are people out there to talk to so that they don’t feel isolated or alone.”

Speaking about how "super proud" he was of his daughter, Jasmine's dad, Kevin said: "Quite a few things have happened over the last year and Jasmine has found it really tough 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 take on an extra 20km.

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

'Blown away'

Andy Moreman, Young Devon Chief Executive said “To meet young people like Jasmine who want to get out and support their friends and support their communities, it's an inspiration and absolutely blows us away."

He said the money raised by Jasmine would fund extra counselling for young people.

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

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

Its outreach programme helps those in rural areas access the help they need.