On the run in memory of sister, Katie
A dad from Wearside is set to take on this year’s Great North Run in memory of his younger sister who tragically died just weeks ago.
Paul Roddy, from Washington,hasbeenleftdevastatedafter he lost his sister Katie at the age of 31 in July.
Katie was born with spina bifida and had gone through 100 operations in her short life including countless procedures on her legs, kidneys, spine, brain.
Despite her ordeal, Katie tookherconditioninherstride and always had a positive outlook towards life.
Tragically, earlier this year shewastoldshehadanuntreatabletumouronherpulmonary artery.
She was left bed-bound due to her condition but maintained her positivity while she spenttimeinStBenedict’sHospice in Sunderland.
Paul and his family say that the hospice granted them precious time with Katie that they would not have received if she was not under their care and wanted to do something to support them following her passing.
Paul longed to take up running again following surgery to recover from an accident in May, but the desire to raise fundsforStBenedict’sHospice was the motivation he needed to start training again.
He has already surpassed his £300 target ahead of this year’s run.
Paul, 36, said: “Dealing with Katie’spassinghasbeenincredibly tough.
“I don’t think anyone ex- pects to go to a 31-year-old’s funeral.
“The service was just what shewouldhavewanted,shehad asked for everyone to dress up in colour and they couldn’t get the doors closed at because of all of the people.
Paul will join 57,000 others for the Simplyhealth Great North Run on September 10 and he says that Katie supportedhiminherfinalmonthswith his fundraising and also gave him a playlist to keep him going during his training.
To donate to Paul’s fundraising go to www.justgiving. com/Paul-Roddy4?utm_id=26.