MORE than 100 people are expected to pull on their running shoes this weekend in memory of tragic Wirral teenager Rachelle Owen.

Friends and family of the 16-year-old will gather at the West Kirby end of the Wirral Way on Sunday morning before setting off on an eight mile run to Parkgate.

Rachelle, a student at Hilbre High School Humanities College, died on April 17 after stepping in front of a train at the crossing on Drummond Road in Hoylake.

She was the daughter of Kay Diamond, allegedly murdered two months ago in a violent attack.

An inquest into her death heard Rachelle had left her home at around 9pm after telling her family she was going for a walk.

She had then walked to Drummond, where she was struck by the West Kirby loop train at 9.30pm.

Liverpool Coroner Andrew Rebello said he was satisfied Rachelle had taken her own life.

Wirral Globe:
Tributes left for Rachelle Owen in Hoylake.

Sunday’s ‘Run for Rach’ has been organised by Elle Samaroo. 

Close friend Tom Westaway Jones, from Pensby, said: “I was very close to Rachelle as we had loads of things in common and I always used to comfort her as we have both lost our mothers.

“She went to Hilbre High and I’m in Pensby but Rachelle used to come to my school – I was with her every weekend when we all used to go out.”

More than 100 people are expected to take part in the run on Sunday, but Tom is hoping to attract even more to the sponsored event.

“We decided to do the run as wanted to keep our minds off things and keep focused on something else,” explained Tom.

“Some of the money raised is going towards a proper memorial for Rachelle, such as a plaque, bench and a tree, and the rest of the money will go towards the family to help with things for the funeral.”

The event – which will see people run, walk and cycle – starts at 9am at the West Kirby end of the Wirral Way.