FUNDRAISERS have been urged to sign up for the OX5 Run and raise money for Oxford Children's Hospital as their new year's resolution.

More than 100 people have already signed up and parents and the hospital's charity have called for more people to lace up their training shoes for the five-mile run.

Julia Spargo assembled a team of 60 bees for last year's run and raised more than £7,000 for the children's hospital.

Her daughter Beth Lee was born with a cleft palate, dislocated hips and breathing problems and doctors weren't sure she would ever walk properly.

But the six-year-old is now playing tennis, riding her bike and even having a go at swimming thanks to a hip operation 18 months ago and regular visits to the hospital.

Ms Spargo said: "It's a huge buzz to simply watch her running around the park, something that millions of parents take for granted.

"For years we never thought that would happen - she's been walking for three years now and we are still amazed every day and just so appreciative and grateful to the hospital.

"She's really active, it's like she's making up for lost time - when I run she's been following me behind on her bike and she's doing tennis and swimming and thriving at school."

The Bicester mother-of-two, whose husband Dave will also be running around Blenheim Palace on March 25, has made it her mission this year to recruit 100 bees and break the £10,000 barrier.

She said: "The training has started and I'm already looking for more bees for this year's run.

"We had 60 last year, which was great, made up of friends and family but I really want 100 this year and it's my new year's resolution to get there whichever way I can.

"It's that time of year when people think about getting fit or doing something for charity and I would really encourage people to sign up for the OX5."

Money raised from the run will break the £1m once this year's event is over and has been spent on toys, games, vital equipment and play specialists to make children as comfortable as possible on the wards.

The 39-year-old said: "It would still be a great hospital without them but it's the extras that make the child feel at home and the parents feel welcome - especially if you are in for the long haul.

"It's the little things which make a huge difference."

Joe Baker, from the Oxford Children's Hospital Charity, said: "Last year Julia did a fantastic job of getting 60 people dressed as bees to run, walk, jog and even hobble around Blenheim on crutches so we are delighted she is setting the bar even higher."

He added: "To kick start 2018, we would like to urge family, friends, businesses, clubs and organisations to lace up their trainers and get involved with the fun run, which supports our young patients and their families whilst they stay at our very special hospital."

Sign up to the run - sponsored by Allen Associates - by going to ox5run.co.uk and click ‘register here'.