A YOUNG girl with leukaemia has inspired a martial arts group to run the Junior Great North Run next month.

Nine youngsters from Auckland Martial Arts, in Bishop Auckland, will race 4km on Saturday, September 6, to raise money for children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.

Family friend Sophie Foster, 12, was diagnosed with Leukaemia in February 2013 and is due to finish treatment in February 2015.

Her mother, Paula Foster, said: “When they told me they were raising money for Clic Sargent I was absolutely over the moon. It’s very heart-warming to know that something that has affected our family has branched out and raised awareness of the charity.

“I would say the majority of my friends and family didn’t know about Clic Sargent before Sophie was diagnosed and now they all seem to be coming together to raise money for the charity.”

Sophie’s younger brother, Alex, is best friends with Jake, a member of the martial arts group.

Karen Fantarrow, Jake’s mother, said: “He’s a bit daunted by it but he’s been training and they’ve all been going out running together to prepare for it. Jake has been friends with Sophie’s little brother since they were four, and they’re both 11 next month.”

To sponsor the group, visit: justgiving.com/Karen-fantarrow1