A schoolgirl who receives a bone marrow transplant from her big sister tomorrow is inspiring classmates to rise to the region's biggest sporting challenge.

Ten-year-old Catherine Readshaw's fight against leukaemia has encouraged youngsters at her primary school to take part in the Junior Great North Run.

Catherine, of Ferryhill, County Durham, will get new bone marrow from 11-year-old Nicole at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

The procedure, which comes after two courses of intense chemotherapy since Catherine was diagnosed in 2001, had to be postponed for almost a month because she became very ill and was put on a life support machine.

Grandmother Kath Conroy said: "Nicole had a day at the RVI to ask questions and the process was all explained to her.

"I think Nicole's a bit nervous, but now that she's been to the hospital, she's delighted to be able to do something.

"It's been nearly three years, which is a long time to go through such a lot, and we've all got our fingers crossed now that everything's going to be all right."

The pair's fighting spirit has been a driving force for almost 60 children and staff from St Charles Primary School, in Tudhoe, who hope to complete the 4km route next Saturday.

Sue Mitchell, teaching assistant, said pupils had been enthusiastic about training and were excited about the run.

She said: "Our pupils had a very successful day at Meadowfield for a cross country event, which made them want to take up the challenge.

"With the added incentive of raising money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, thinking of Catherine and one of our parents facing cancer, we're all determined to complete the route."