PC Rathband's Daughter Carries Olympic Torch

16 June 2012, 11:03 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The 13 year old daughter of PC David Rathband, who was shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat has carried the Olympic fame in memory of her dad.

Mia Rathband wore a blindfold as she carried the Torch today (Saturday 16th June) as the relay continued through South Shields and on to Sunderland.

PC Rathband, who had been shot by gunman Raoul Moat, had been picked to run a leg with the flame but was found hanged at his home in Blyth in February.

The 43-year-old officer's widow Kath said:
"It means so much to Mia and the family that she's been given this opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch in her dad's place.

It was a great honour for David to be nominated as a torch bearer by so many people and to be selected.

I know he would be very proud to see his Mia carry the torch on his behalf.''