RELATIVES of Katie Rough will lace up their running shoes to take part in the Great North Run in memory of the seven-year-old.

A group of seven, all from York, will be running the 13.1-mile half marathon between Newcastle and South Shields on September 10 as #TeamRough. The group comprises Katie’s dad Paul Rough, sister Bethany Rough, two aunties - Sarah Nockles and Sarah Thornhill, two uncles - Pete and Steve Rough - and family friend Téba Diatta.

Katie died after being found with stab wounds in a field off Alness Drive, Woodthorpe, in January.

York Press:

The team are running to honour The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who has supported Katie’s family since her death and who is from Uganda. They will be raising funds to help a Ugandan child get through school.

The team said: “We want to honour Katie and leave an amazing legacy in her name.

“If we can help another child or children overcome poverty and adversity, at least some good will come out of our loss.

“We as a family want to pay tribute to our amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. Katie was a much loved, treasured member of our family and her loss has left a massive void.

“Running The Great North Run will give us a positive focus and strengthen our bond.

“Katie was such a special person, kind, loving and generous and we want her memory to live on, so that others all around the world will know about her and hear how she is inspiring and changing lives.”

#TeamRough are running for the charity Compassion UK and aim to raise £3,000, which will support the Ugandan child for 10 years, providing education and access to health care.

To support the team and make a donation, visit: https://challenges.compassionuk.org/profile/450/-teamrough-running-for-katie

Last Friday, Katie’s family put on a special community fun day at York Acorn Rugby Club.