A squirrel-themed fun run is taking over town in spring in memory of Dean Lowe, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run with his 11-year-old son, Charlie.

Acorn and the Jersey Employment Trust (JET) are hosting a fundraising run, jog, or walk through town on 13 March 2025 to help 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.

Acorn and JET's fundraising officer, Caroline Spencer says he treated everybody the same, and it did not seem like hard work to him as it came naturally.

"Dean would have been celebrating his 50th birthday in February, so we're hoping for at least 50 squirrels to turn up at West's Centre on 13 March."

The charities decided to host a squirrel fun run to mirror Dean and Kiley's Virtual London Marathon.

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

Caroline jokes Kiley's challenge was spending 26.2 miles walking and talking with Dean.

"[He had] a wonderful sense of humour.

"He only actually agreed in 2023 to do the marathon when it was suggested he would have to wear some squirrel accessories.

"It was the fun element that tempted him in."

The pair raised £1,200 for JET, which they completed in April 2023, just months before he died.

READ: Dylan John Pounds jailed for 15 years for killing Dean and Charlie Lowe

An AI-generated image from Acorn and JET of squirrels running through a town like St Helier.

To celebrate Dean Lowe's 50th birthday, a minimum donation of £20 will be required upon registration and a minimum fundraising target of £50.

The route will be doable in a 'lunch hour' and will take participants from West's Centre, down Queen Street, over to Charing Cross and back up to the Royal Square.

There will be a prize for the best-dressed squirrel and a warm-up at the beginning of the fun run.

Those interested can join using the Race Nation website here.

All the money raised will go towards helping islanders with disabilities gain skills for employment.

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.