STAFF at a cafe in Witney have been inspired to sign up for the OX5 Run to help a colleague with cystic fibrosis support others suffering from the same condition.

Sam Couchman, who works at Eden Cafe, used Oxford Children's Hospital from when he was diagnosed aged five to being transferred to the adult units when he was eighteen.

Now 22, he wants to support the next generation of children living with the genetic condition which causes problems with breathing and digestion.

He said: "I know a couple of young kids from working in the cafe who have cystic fibrosis and will be using the hospital for the next fifteen years.

"That inspired me to take part really and support others in the future.

"You see so many stories online of people with the condition dying at such a young age and I really want to raise money to help them."

The former Tower Hill School pupil relied on the children's hospital for regular check ups and treatment throughout his childhood and was in the John Radcliffe Hospital last year battling an infection.

He said: "The care and support I had was amazing, it's a really great team at the hospital and it's such a fantastic place.

"There was a Playstation 3 there, a big TV on the wall and comfy sofas - I want that support to continue for others know."

After a long spell battling an infection last year Mr Couchman said keeping fit and running was helping him and hoped his training would inspire others.

So far it has had the desired effect with four of his colleagues and several of the cafe's regulars signing up to the team for the Blenheim Palace five-mile run in March.

He said: "We have managed to get a good group together - one of the team ran it last year and spoke very highly of it.

"We have even had a group training session and will schedule a few more before the big day.

"I've been running since June last year - it's keeping me fit and healthy and I hope it will also raise some money.

The OX5 Run is being sponsored by recruitment firm Allen Associates for the ninth year.

Last year's event saw a record-breaking £115,000 raised, which has already been spent on a sensory room to educate and entertain children in its high dependency unit, equipment to stabilise premature babies and a specialist nurse for children with severe asthma.

People wanting to take part can do so by signing up online by going to hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run.