Little Caoimhe Harris left the world too soon at the age of just two - but her dad is making sure her memory lives on.
Caoimhe died from a bacterial infection in 2011, leaving her family devastated. Ever since then, her parents have been raising funds in her honour for the NSPCC.
Now her dad Paul Harris has set up a new charity run - due to take place on Father's Day - to help raise more money and celebrate the memory of his late daughter.
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Paul, 45, from Whitley Bay, said: "We still miss Caoimhe deeply, and on a daily basis. The fundraising I’ve done for the NSPCC over the last 11 years has been a way to help keep her memory alive while also supporting vulnerable children across the UK.
"This is by far the biggest event I’ve set up, and the logistics have been a real eye-opener. It’s been a challenge, but I’m hoping that I’ll see a good crowd taking part on the day and it’ll all be worthwhile."
Paul, head teacher at Carr Hill Community Primary School in Gateshead, is an avid runner himself and has taken part in events including triathlons, races and the London Marathon. He has raised more than £78,000 for the NSPCC since Caoimhe’s death in 2011.
He has now organised the Caoimhe Ultra Special 50km event - a four-lap run across mixed terrain around Whitley Bay, Seaton Sluice and Holywell Dene. Each lap is around 12.5km, and starts and finishes at the clubhouse for North Shields Polytechnic.
There are also races for under-15s and under-nines on the day, each comprising four laps of the running track at North Shields Polytechnic – a total distance of one mile.
Paul hopes the event would be something fun for families as well as seasoned runners, with team places also available, and he has urged anyone interested to sign up as soon as possible.
He said: "It’s taking place on Father’s Day, June 19, right next to the Monkseaton Metro station and Whitley Bay is right there on the doorstep, so it’s a great opportunity for kids to take their dads out for an ice cream after the race.
"I’m hugely grateful to everyone who’s helped us raise more than £78,000 in Caoimhe’s memory, but if anyone reading this fancies taking on a running challenge and wants to sign up, it’d be amazing to see them there and take that total a little higher.
"Entry to the children’s races cost just £4, meaning each runner could pay for Childline to answer a call from a young person who desperately needs support."
Hayley Lynn, NSPCC community fundraiser, said: "Paul has been an incredible fundraiser for the NSPCC, and we’re hugely grateful for his efforts to support children and young people across the UK.
"As a charity, we rely on public donations for the majority of our funding, so having someone like Paul so dedicated to supporting us is an amazing boost. Every £4 raised could pay for a phone call to be answered by Childline, so if you’re able to take part, or if you’d just like to donate in support of Paul’s fantastic work, you could make a real difference to the life of a child."
To find out more or book a place at the adults run, click here, or for information about the children’s races, click here. For information on how you can support the NSPCC through donations or volunteering, go to www.nspcc.org.uk
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