RUNNERS and fundraisers who braved the cold for the OX5 Run have been praised for their efforts by the Duke of Marlborough.

The 12th Duke presented an award to the first female winner of the run, Sophie Carter, and also handed out corporate and community team awards.

More than 1,000 runners braved wet and windy weather on Sunday, March 29, to complete the five-mile Blenheim Palace course for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The Duke said: “More than £750,000 has been raised since the inception of the OX5 which is fantastic and everyone involved deserves a pat on the back.

“I want to thank them all – it’s amazing what they have done.

“The event has had amazing support, not only from the runners, but also from the volunteers and spectators waving them on.”

Ten-year-old Magnus Cameron, from Little Milton, near Wheatley, who was treated at the hospital, stole the limelight with a heart-warming speech thanking all those who had taken part.

The schoolboy struggled to hear before groundbreaking surgery drastically changed his life.

Magnus, who helped to officially start the run with former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, said: “Every day, boys and girls are treated to the best medical care in the world.

“This is an inspirational hospital that cures so many illnesses and researches cures for disease.

“I am proud to have been treated here and you should all be proud of what you have done for the children here.

“You raced for their lives.”

Four trophies were handed out in a presentation ceremony at the hospital on Thursday night, attended by a selection of winners and fundraisers.

The Ladies’ Cup, for the first time in the race’s existence, went to the overall winner Sophie Carter, from Woodstock.

The 35-year-old, whose son Ethan was treated at the children’s hospital, crossed the line in 31 minutes and nine seconds.

She said: “I’m really pleased – I didn’t expect to win it at all.

“My son was treated at the hospital when he had bronchitis. It was only minor but the care was great and it’s a really worthwhile charity.”

This year’s race, backed by the Oxford Mail, was sponsored by Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates for the seventh year running.

Managing director Kate Allen said: “For us, it’s about galvanising businesses.

“We have seen such an uplift in businesses taking part in the race and raising money for such a great cause. Next year we want to encourage even more to get involved in charity events – it should be part of their corporate responsibility.”

DUKE PLEDGES TO STAGE EVEN MORE FUNDRAISERS AT PALACE

Oxford Mail:

The 12th Duke of Marlborough pledged his continued support to the OX5 Run, which has been held at Blenheim Palace for 13 years. 

Jamie Spencer-Churchill confirmed he intended to keep the palace grounds in Woodstock available for the OX5 Run and other possible fundraisers for the trust.

He added: “We have got to go that extra step further. Maybe we should have a bicycle ride as well as a run.

“Anything my wife and I can do to support the trust we would like to do.

“We have got two small children who have both ended up in the A&E here for various reasons and we have a debt of gratitude.”

His Grace inherited his father’s title when the 11th Duke died in October. 

The new Duke said he wanted to take the palace’s involvement with the OX5 Run further. 

He said: “I know it’s been a major fundraiser for the trust and with my support, with my wife’s support and my children’s support I would love to take this further if we can.

“It’s certainly pulled on my heart-strings – the NHS is something very special and close to my heart; we are 100 per cent behind it.”

MEET THE AWARD WINNERS

Oxford Mail:
Magnus Cameron and Martin Keown officially start the run

Ladies’ Cup: Sophie Carter 
Challenge Cup: Unipart Strivers
Community Cup: Oxford Vaccine Group 
Corporate Cup: Nicholsons

* The Unipart Strivers, a team from the Unipart Group in Cowley, scooped up the Challenge Cup for the fastest overall team. 

Team captain David Adams said: “This is the fifth year we have put a team in and we have won the cup twice.

“In addition we have raised more than £2,000 for the children’s hospital. It’s a fantastic cause that helps families and children.”

* Oxford Vaccine Group, a paediatric research group based at the hospital, was presented with the Community Cup by Magnus Cameron. 

Paediatric doctor Rama Kandasamy said: “We benefit ourselves from the money raised. It facilitates things like new pieces of equipment that we can use to develop our work. 

“We know the benefits it can have for the children and we take part every year and always compete for the community cup too – it’s a great cause.”

* The Corporate Cup went to North Aston-based gardening design and landscaping company Nicholsons running for the third time.

Administrator Jess Witcher said: “We heard about the event in the paper and I’ve organised our team every year since.

“It’s great to support the hospital and staff we have raised about £800 this year.

“It also gives us a great sense of team spirit and brings us together.”