Step out and help hospital hit £100k in OX5 Run

With less than three months to go, organisers are calling for people to put their best foot forward to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The five-mile run in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Headington hospital.

The hospital is hoping to break the £100,000 mark this year, after a record-breaking £98,000 was raised last year.

Children’s hospital spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “It’s the perfect time of year to resolve to get fit and start training for the five-mile challenge at Blenheim, and what more motivation do you need than knowing you will be helping thousands of children from Oxfordshire and beyond. Please do sign up today.”

Mum-of-three Karen Walters, from Bowyer Road, Abingdon, has signed up for the run for the first time.

Her 11-month old niece Skye was born with a cleft palate and will have an operation at the hospital next month.

The mum of Bradley, 19, and twins George and Adam, 17, said: “I have been very lucky my three boys have been fit and healthy but I appreciate what some parents have to go through.

“The hospital is incredibly important, anyone could need it at some point – my boys might need it for their own children in the future. When Skye was born it was nice to know the hospital is so close and you don’t have to travel to London.”

The OX5Run, which is organised by the Oxford Mail and sponsored by Allen Associates, is now in its 12th year. It has so far raised more than £500,000. This year’s run will take place on Sunday, March 30, at 10.30am. It costs £10 to enter and runners are asked to aim to raise £100 or more.

Visit http://oxfordmail.co.uk/ox5run