Gabriel Raimondo

I am Jersey born and have always lived in my home parish of St Brelade. I started my schooling years at Mont Nicolle Primary School before moving to Victoria College where I am now sitting my  A-level exams for Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

 

One of my biggest passions in life is Magic. I started almost 10 years ago and since then it has taken me around the world,  allowing me to meet many amazing people. Most importantly though,  it has given me the ability to think quickly, speak confidently and listen to what someone is telling me, both verbally and non verbally.

​

In early 2024, I qualified as a dog trainer in the UK and, with the help of my dad, started DogsGoneWalkies. It was set up as a  dog walking and training business aiming to make pet services more affordable. The business grew to have multiple employees and over 40 dogs on our regular walking schedules before I recently chose to step away and pursue assistance dog training. In the just over a year and a half running the business, I was met with constant red tape, restriction and regulation from the government. This simpily pushed up the cost to my clients, while reducing my already slim profit margin.

​

Now for a more personal part of my journey that I don't often share. In September of 2022, my cousin Sam took his life. I witnessed the devastating effect it had on my family, my uncle and ultimately on me. Over the last few years, I've told Sam's story, researched and listened. Depression is all around us and its almost impossible to spot. It doesn't have an age, gender or look. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 45 and teenagers -  yet is still widely misunderstood. I felt very fortunate to see the baton of hope when it came to Jersey last august and talk to many people who have been affected by suicide.

​

Anyway, that's just a little bit about me. 

Thanks for reading, Gabriel.