A GROUP of heart experts at the John Radcliffe is urging people to sign up for the Oxford Mail’s OX5 Run to raise money for the children’s hospital.

The Pacemakers – made up of cardiac physiologists and consultants from the Headington hospital’s cardiology unit – will be running at Blenheim Palace to help their neighbouring colleagues.

The 12-strong team mainly work with adults with heart rhythm disorders but occasionally treat children who will benefit from the funds raised.

Cardiac physiologist Alice Lipson said: “It’s a great cause and for us it’s all about helping the hospital and making a difference “It’s so important that we raise money for children as going into hospital can be so daunting for them and their parents.

“I ran last year and on the day itself you see a lot of people who you recognise from the hospital throughout the year.

“You might not know them that well but it’s great to know they and their children will benefit from the money raised.”

She added: “Some of our wider team have had personal experiences using the children’s hospital as well and doing the run will hopefully bring us closer together.”

The 27-year-old, from Bodicote, is part of the team who implant pacemakers into patients hence their team name. They hope to raise more than £1,000 by making their way around the five-mile course on April 17.

She said: “It’s a good day out and the grounds of Blenheim are beautiful to run around.

“Those of all different running abilities can take part. In our team we have some regular runners and some who have literally just downloaded a training app to help them make it through five miles. People really should get involved and do the run, it’s for such a great cause.”

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

Last year’s event raised £106,000 for the hospital. The run, which is now in its 14th year, has chalked up more than £850,000 since it started.

The money is used to fund medical equipment and other aspects of children’s care, such as play specialists, nurses and toys and games.

* You can sign up for the race online by going to hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run