RELATIVES and friends of Katie Rough have raised almost £4,400 so far in memory of the York school girl as they prepare to take part in the Great North Run.

Now they have just under three weeks to reach their target of £6,000, which would enable them to fund two Ugandan children’s education and medical care for the next 10 years.

Both children, Pross and King, are seven years old, the same age as Katie was when she died in January after being found with stab wounds in a field off Alness Drive, Woodthorpe.

A 16-year-old girl who has admitted killing Katie is due to be sentenced for manslaughter on grounds of diminshed responsibility early next month, possibly just before the half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields takes place on September 10.

A group of eight family members and friends, all from York, will be taking part as #TeamRough: Katie’s dad Paul Rough, sister Bethany Rough, two aunts - Sarah Nockles and Sarah Thornhill, two uncles - Pete and Steve Rough - family friend Téba Diatta, and Steven Rough, Katie’s grandad, who will be pushed the 13.1 miles in a wheelchair.

The team want to honour both Katie, leaving an ‘amazing legacy in her name’, and also honour The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who has supported her family since her death and is from Uganda.

The team said: “If we can help another child or children overcome poverty and adversity, at least some good will come out of our loss.

“We as a family want to pay tribute to our amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.

“Katie was a much-loved, treasured member of our family and her loss has left a massive void.

“Running The GNR will give us a positive focus and strengthen our bond.

“Katie was such a special person, kind, loving and generous and we want her memory to live on, so that others all around the world will know about her and hear how she is inspiring and changing lives.”

The money raised will help the Ugandan children via the charity Compassion UK.

*To sponsor the team, go to https://challenges.compassionuk.org/profile/450/-teamrough-running-for-katie