THE sister of Olly Stephens who was fatally stabbed in Reading this month has thanked people for their "kind messages" of support.

An Instagram account called 'Justiceforolly_', which claims to be run by Olly's sister, shared a childhood picture of the 13 year old boy thanking the community for their support.

The post, dated Sunday, January 10, said: "I just wanted to thank everyone again for all the kind messages.

"I'm so sorry that I haven’t had the time to reply to all of them yet.

READ MORE: Oliver Stephens fundraiser now more than £15,000 for stabbing victim's family

"Just know they have helped me feel a lot less alone during this time."

Olly, a student at Highdown School, died after a stabbing in Bugs Bottom, Emmer Green, on Sunday, January 3.

Since his death, a fundraising page has been set up in his memory.

To date, £18,554 has been raised towards a send off for Olly.

A petition to ban people from possessing lethal weapons without a license has also been set up and has received 101,370 signatures so far.

The Instagram post continued: "I’m so grateful Olly's case has had so much recognition.

"Today marks a week since it happened so the emotion has hit a bit harder today.

READ ALSO: Oliver Stephens murder case: Police investigations continue at Bugs Bottom

"We just have to see the silver lining in that what happened has helped spread so much awareness for knife crime and it could help save the lives of others in the future."

The post also mentioned a minute silence that was held by some friends and family at 3.59pm on Sunday - a week after the teenager's death. 

It added: "Please remember to really appreciate those around you."

Three teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident.

A 13-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named, appeared at Reading Crown Court last week charged with murder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm in connection with the death.

The girl was also charged with perverting the course of justice.

The trio, all from Reading, spoke only to confirm their names and ages, and no application for bail was made.

They will next appear at a pre-trial hearing at the same court on February 4 and a provisional trial date has been set for June 21, also at Reading Crown Court.