A MOTHER whose children have been regular visitors to Oxford’s Children Hospital is giving something back in next year’s OX5 Run.

Julia Spargo’s daughter Beth Lee was born with a cleft palate, dislocated hips and breathing problems.

After multiple operations and regular trips to the children’s hospital, the three-year-old from Bicester is doing well.

Her 36-year-old mum said: “She’s just started walking. We weren’t sure if she would ever be able to walk. When we’ve been in the hospital everything has been so smooth.

Our top stories

“It can be so frightening for a young child but I’ve never seen anyone in there who has looked anything less than happy. The care is excellent.”

Her eldest child Amalia, five, was born with a kidney problem and had two operations shortly after she was born.

Mrs Spargo will be running her fourth OX5 Run to raise money for the children’s hospital. Her team of five will tackle the five-mile Blenheim Palace race dressed as bees.

She has raised nearly £1,500 over the last two years. She said: “ We want to help any way we can and it’s the one thing we can do. There’s obviously the medical equipment which is so important but the money is used for even the smallest of things, for example the toys never run out of batteries.

“When Beth had an operation to have her cleft removed and was in intensive care they gave us a book to give to Amalia to explain what was happening. It’s invaluable, they make the whole family feel so well looked after.”

Ms Spargo urged people to join her for the run on March 29. She said: “The run is great, everyone’s got a story. Some are sad but it’s such an uplifting day. The atmosphere is amazing and it’s such a good cause.”

Oxford Children’s Hospital spokeswoman Sarah Vaccari said: “We are absolutely delighted that Beth is doing so well and that Julia is running again.

“This run makes such a difference to the children we look after and we are incredibly grateful for the support.”

The event is being sponsored by Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates for the seventh year. This year’s race raised a record £114,000.