A former top runner has got off the starting blocks again to raise cash for a woman with cancer who backed him when he competed as an athlete.

Jamal Hart said he hoped through his events company, One Love Productions, to give Maria Caisey the same support she gave him at running events.

Mr Hart said: “She is someone who would always come out. She loves sports and sporting events, and I could always feel her love when I was competing. She would let you know she was there.

“If you knew Maria, you would know she is all about love. In life if you give love, love comes back to you.”

Mr Hart said he grew up near Ms Caisey in Southampton and she would always attend track and field events in which he was a middle-distance runner.

He added he helped to organise a fundraising event for Ms Caisey to help cover her medical expenses.

He said: “The event was down at the Rangers Sports Club. We had a few DJs who performed and they all donated their services free of charge to help raise funds for Maria’s medical expenses.

“It was well attended and everyone who was there had a great time.”

Mr Hart said the event had raised $1,000, which he presented to Ms Caisey’s family on Wednesday.

The success of the event led to a second fundraiser, a cruise on board the MV Bermudian due to take place on Sunday.

Mr Hart said: “Maria is a big reggae fan, particularly of old school reggae, so most of the music will be in that genre.”

He added: “At One Love, we are all about putting on events that give back to the community, and it’s rewarding, particularly to give back to some one who I know personally and I have a lot of admiration and respect for.”

• The Anchorz Away benefit cruise will depart Dockyard at 1pm and Albouy’s Point at 2pm. Tickets cost $40 in advance or $50 at the dock