A FUNDRAISING drive to create a memorial to tragic Katie Rough was launched at a family fun day in Acomb - and looks set to have raised at least £2,000.

Katie’s mother Alison cut a ribbon to open the event at the Gateway Centre in Front Street, and Katie’s cousin Amy Gilpin later had her long locks cut off to raise money for the memorial fund.

Amy’s mother Liz Gilpin, who is Katie’s aunt, told a crowd which had gathered for the opening: “Can I thank everybody for turning up today to help us to celebrate Katie’s life. I hope you all have lots of fun.

“I am really glad you have all come today in the hope that we can raise enough funds to create a permanent memorial to Katie.”

She told The Press the family was hoping a woodland play area might be created in memory of Katie, the seven-year-old York girl who died after being found with serious injuries in Woodthorpe last month.

“It would be a very appropriate memorial, because Katie loved playing out and getting muddy,” she said, stressing that the plans were still at a very early stage.

Amy, 13, had at least 12 inches of her long locks of hair cut off this afternoon by hairdresser Sharon White.

“I wanted to do something for Katie,” said Amy, who asked for a hairstyle like The Saturdays’ singer Frankie Bridge.

Her hair will go to The Little Princess Trust, which makes free wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.

By this morning, Amy had reached £374 towards her £500 target.

Anyone wanting to give to the fund should go to: https://www.gofundme.com/katie-rough-memorial-fund-haircut.

The fun day, organised by Maggie Jackson, and featuring attractions such as a bouncy castle, food and drink, is raising money for the charities York Mind and The Island as well as the memorial fund.

Maggie said today that excluding the money raised by Amy, the event had raised £1,400, with some of the coins in collecting tins still to be counted.

She said she was also going to put items donated for a charity auction on sale on an online auction on Facebook.

She was delighted with how the event went. "I couldn't believe how many people turned up, and there was a really nice atmosphere," she said.