KATIE Rough’s family has completed the Great North Run in memory of the York schoolgirl - despite her dad Paul injuring his knee during the race.

Katie’s aunt Sarah Nockels said #TeamRough crossed the finishing line together, including Katie’s grandfather Steven Rough, who was pushed the 13.1 miles around the course in a wheelchair by team members.

“Paul slipped on a water bottle lying on the ground at about the ten-mile mark and hurt his knee but he was determined to complete the run,” she said.

“He was walking but managed to run as we approached the finishing line. I think we completed the run in about three hours.

“It was absolutely amazing. There was such a good atmosphere - I want to do it again!

“The weather was cold, which was perfect for running if not for spectators.”

She said the team had raised about £4,500 towards its aim of £6,000 to pay for the education and medical care of two Ugandan children of Katie’s age for the next ten years, and it would carry on until it reached its target.

The half marathon in the North East came just days after the latest appearance in court of a 16-year-old girl who killed Katie in a field in Woodthorpe in January. The teenager, who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, was sent to a psychiatric hospital specialising in young people so psychiatrists can assess her condition.

Sarah said yesterday’s race had provided something positive to focus on at this time for the team, which also included Katie’s sister Bethany, her aunt Sarah Thornhill, two uncles - Pete and Steve Rough - and family friend Téba Diatta.

The money raised will help the Ugandan children via the charity Compassion UK. To sponsor the team, go to https://challenges.compassionuk.org/profile/450/-teamrough-running-for-katie

Meanwhile, Malton mother and daughter Val and Kelly Gaughan also both completed the run - Kelly in one hour and 51 minutes and Val in two hours and ten minutes.

Val, 52, who works in Morrisons and Kelly, 22, who teaches at Norton Primary School, were raising funds for Cancer Research.