Annual race 'so vital' for child loss charity

Helier de Veulle said he was surprised with the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards nomination

A Jersey charity that helps people deal with the death of a child says an annual fundraising race "is so vital" for its work.

The Seymour Sprint was set up by Helier de Veulle in 2019 to raise money for Philip's Footprints charity.

Since then, it has raised nearly £15,000 for the charity and it has become a reliable source of income for it.

Chairman Kenan Osborne said "it has made a massive difference" and the event also "allows us to spread the word about what we are and who we help".

Kenan Osborne nominated Helier de Veulle for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards

Mr Osborne has worked with Mr de Veulle since the fundraiser started.

He said "the first time I came to start it was a beautiful day" and "it was all hands-on deck but Helier's organisation skills were excellent".

Mr Osborne added: "It's essential that we have this source of income because having something that's constant allows us to do things we do to help people who've lost a child".

Philip's Footprints supports those who have experienced pregnancy loss as well as infant and child deaths regardless of when it happened.

Mr de Veulle has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards because of his fundraising.

He said the Seymour Sprint "is a really unique trail run" and "it takes people out from Long Beach to the iconic Seymour Tower".

In 2025, Mr de Veulle added the Seymour Stroll option so more people could take part.

He added: "It's an amazing local charity and Philip's Footprints doesn't affect many people but the people it does affect – it affects profoundly."

The four shortlisted nominees for the awards will be announced on the 5 September.

More than 120 runners took part in the Seymour Sprint in 2025