Kidlington parents Emma and Stephen Forse are relying on Oxford Children’s Hospital to help them cope with their daughter’s epilepsy.

Teaching assistant Emma, 40, thought Hannah was tired after a long day at school when she complained her head hurt.

But the Edward Feild Primary School pupil ended up in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital after suffering an epileptic fit.

Over the last three years Hannah, now nine, has been treated several times by the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

To say thank you for the care she has received, Mrs Forse, of Waverley Avenue, has signed up for this year’s OX5 Run on Sunday, March 25, at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock.

Mrs Forse said: “It was such a shock when Hannah had the fit as it had been a completely normal day up to that point.

“I called an ambulance and within minutes, Hannah started vomiting and fitting.

“I was on my own, trying to help Hannah and keep an eye on her twin brothers Jonathan and Matthew, who were only just five.”

After medics stabilised Hannah, she was transferred to a ward in the children’s hospital, where Mrs Forse and husband Stephen, 42, a Thames Valley Police driving instructor, were able to stay with her. Tests later revealed epilepsy.

Hannah had a second fit last August in the swimming pool at Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre.

Following a third seizure last month she again had to stay overnight at the children’s hospital.

Mrs Forse added: “All the staff have been so fantastic at reassuring Hannah and me and have kept us in the loop about what was happening all the time.”

“For instance, if I take her swimming I let the lifeguard know that she is epileptic.”

Children’s hospital fundraiser Penny Hambridge said: “It is fantastic to hear Emma is supporting us by taking part in the OX5 Run.

“We are on target to make this the biggest and best event so far, but only if people continue to sign up to the run.”

The race is organised by the Oxford Mail and is being sponsored by Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates, Jack FM, and stores at Marriott’s Walk shopping centre, in Witney.

For more run details, visit the website ox5run.co.uk