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80 squirrels take over town in memory of Dean Lowe

The squirrel-themed fun run in memory of Dean Lowe has raised over £10,000 for Acorn.

It is raising proceeds for Jersey Employment Trust (JET), which helps people with disabilities train for life in the workplace. 

Dean, who was killed when he was 48 years old, worked at JET for 17 years as an Employment Coordinator and was passionate about helping the community.

The charities have hosted a squirrel fun run to mirror Dean and Kiley, from JET's, the Virtual London Marathon, where they dressed as squirrels.

Today (13 March), 80 squirrels ran through town to mark Dean's 50th birthday, in February.

Tony Green, a friend of Dean who used to play guitar and sing with him, introduced the race by saying:

"Thanks to everybody who has come along today, I can see so many faces that I know, but this is all about Dean.

"Dean loved helping people, he was the kindest, most caring guy I've ever known in my life, I miss him every day. 

"We're doing this today for Dean today."

Mike and Jo, donned in squirrel attire, told Channel 103:

"We're running with this crazy gang in memory of Dean and Charlie, we're doing it for him.

"This just shows how much Dean meant to everyone - make fools of ourselves running through town, all for him, and he'd be proud."

Simon Jones, the under-25 team leader for Jersey Employment Trust was a friend and colleague of Dean:

"He was the greatest friend, he'd be having the greatest 'alf at the rest of us today for the state we've made ourselves in. 

"Lots of friends and lots of family are getting out there and doing a great job for Acorn.

"Now that we've all got our squirrel outfits, I reckon we could, and I'm up for, making this an annual thing."

Dean and Kiley from JET raised money for charity dressed as squirrels in April 2023.

JET was formed in 2002 and inherited two workshops, Oakfield Industries and Acorn Enterprises.

With these, it initially trained 65 islanders in the business units.

Almost 23 years later, the trust helps more than 550 clients, with mental and long-term health conditions, through its Training and Development Service and Employment Service.

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