SIX years ago, Ann Freeman went through every parent’s nightmare when her five-year-old daughter Kelly-Ann suffered a convulsion and was rushed to hospital.

Doctors at The Horton Hospital, in Banbury, found she had a blood clot on the brain, and surgery was carried out at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford.

Now 11, Kelly-Ann is a pupil at Deddington Primary School and was given the all-clear by doctors at Oxford’s Children’s Hospital two years ago.

To say thank-you to hospital staff, Mrs Freeman, 39, from Deddington, and sister Marie Rogers, 41, are taking part in this year’s Oxford Mail OX5 Run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock.

This year, the run is taking place on Sunday, April 19, and organisers are hoping for the biggest attendance in its seven-year history, with up to 1,000 runners taking part.

Mrs Freeman, a teaching assistant at the primary school, said: “Kelly-Ann had a series of headaches and then she suffered a massive convulsion and ended up in The Horton Hospital.

“She had an operation at the Radcliffe Infirmary, and has since gone on to make a full recovery.

“Two years ago, she had her last six-monthly check-up at the children’s hospital and everything was fine.

“I can’t thank the staff enough for their support over the years — the aftercare was fantastic.”

The hospital opened at the John Radcliffe site in Headington in January 2007, following a community fundraising campaign which raised £14m towards the cost of the £30m facility.

Any money now raised goes towards new equipment for the hospital, where 65,000 patients a year are treated.

Hospital spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “It’s difficult to imagine how hard it is for a parent to see their child so unwell.

“We’re delighted that Ann is taking part in the OX5 Run and we’re hoping that her story will inspire other parents to join her on the day.”

Mrs Freeman said: “The doctors and nurses deserve all the money they get — they were very supportive to Kelly-Ann as a patient, and me as a parent.

“No words can thank the staff enough for all the care they gave my daughter and my family at the time.

“I’m not a great runner, but I’m looking forward to the day of the race and I’m hoping to raise about £100 for the children’s hospital.”

This year’s main sponsors for the race are Oxford-based recruitment firm Allen Associates and Motorworld. They are both entering teams in the race.

Entry for the OX5 Run is £10 per person, with each runner asked to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.

If you would like to enter the run, please fill in and return the registration form on this page, or call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445.

The form can also be downloaded from our website at oxfordmail.co.uk/ox5run affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk