NI schoolgirl to spend birthday running half marathon for charity

A Portadown schoolgirl is to spend her 14th birthday running a half marathon in aid of Tearfund.
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Katie Graham, who is a pupil at Killicomaine Junior High School, is training for the event which will take place on this month.

Currently being home schooled, Katie has spent most of her spare time training for the event.

She has set up a JustGiving page which already totals £1,200. She said: “I am running a half marathon for Tearfund because I want to help lift people out of poverty.”

Katie Graham.Katie Graham.
Katie Graham.

Tearfund is a Christian aid and development agency which responds to disasters and helps communities unlock their own potential to overcome poverty.

Mum Nikki and Dad Brian are both keen athletes. Brian is a PE teacher at Clounagh Junior High School while Nikki has ran several marathons, also in aid of Tearfund.

Nikki explained that she will be running with Katie on a local route for the half marathon. “She has been training, running and crossfit throughout Lockdown, six days a week.”

Katie’s mum, who is a member of Craigavon Presbyterian Church, said the family garage has been turned into a gym.

Katie Graham.Katie Graham.
Katie Graham.

“She is really into her team sports but, during Lockdown, she has been running,” said proud mum Nikki.

She revealed that Katie’s ambition is to become a medic.

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