A 16-YEAR-OLD with a severe nut allergy has signed up for the OX5 Run to raise funds for the hospital that has helped him to “live a normal lifestyle”.

In 2000 Charlie Granville, from Brize Norton, licked peanut butter from a piece of toast and was rushed to A&E as his face swelled up and he lost consciousness.

Since then the Abingdon and Witney College student and his family has relied on Oxford Children’s Hospital to help cope with his allergy.

Mr Granville said: “The hospital has really helped me a lot over the years to live a normal life.

“I most recently came into contact with nuts seven years ago and the hospital helped me then and has taught me how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

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Charlie’s mother Marie, 45 and father Pete, 44 have also signed up this year to thank the children’s hospital, on the site of the John Radcliffe in Headington.

Mrs Granville, who works for her husband’s security firm, said: “That first time was really scary – on the way to the hospital he lost consciousness in the car.

“I couldn’t see a way forward, I couldn’t see how he could be kept safe.

“Even at birthday parties we had to plate up food for him separately and we are constantly checking ingredients.

“The hospital has enabled him to lead a normal life. Everyone at the hospital is always really kind and they are very good at talking to the children, especially as they get older.

“Staff have helped Charlie to take responsibility and remind him what he can and can’t do.”

Mr and Mrs Granville have run the OX5 Run several times before but this year Charlie is old enough to enter the Blenheim Palace five-mile run himself.

Charlie said: “I’ve watched my parents run it before and there’s so many people there – I’ve just started training in the gym for this year’s run.”

“At the moment I’m trying to get a team of friends together to run and raise money.”

The student still visits the hospital for check-ups and assessments. Oxford Children’s Hospital spokeswoman Sarah Vaccari said: “It’s great to hear that Charlie and his parents are taking part in this year’s OX5 Run to thank the hospital for the care he has received.

“This run makes such a difference to our young patients, allowing us to buy additional medical equipment and provide more child friendly facilities. We hope others will be inspired to join us on Sunday, March 29.”

The Oxford Mail-backed event is being sponsored by Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates for the seventh year.

Sign up for the OX5 Run at hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run



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