THE Oxford Mail has won an award for its charitable support of Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The paper was one of dozens of Oxfordshire businesses and individuals recognised at this year's Local Business Charity Awards on Thursday night.

The Mail was applauded for its its long association with the children’s hospital, and specifically raising more than £1m through our annual OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace since 2003.

Aaron Gee, store manager and community development lead at the Midcounties Co-operative in Rose Hill, scooped the individual award for his role in getting disadvantaged people into work.

FAI Farms, which helps people with learning disabilities and autism get into employment by hosting and aiding the charity FarmAbility, also won on the night.

Year after year, thousands of runners, walkers and joggers take on the OX5 Run at Blenheim to raise money for the children’s hospital.

It has funded vital equipment, play areas and toys to make children as comfortable as possible during their stay.

In its early days it even helped fund the building of the hospital.

Sarah Vaccari, from Oxford Hospitals Charity which nominated the Mail, said: “It is not an exaggeration to say this event has helped us transform care and save lives.

“In the early days money raised went towards our £15 million appeal to build the hospital, which opened in 2007.

“Since then it has funded so many things, including equipment to cool babies who have a lack of oxygen at birth to actually prevent brain damage.

"It has also funded tailored space for teens with cancer; a pain relief nurse; parent rooms and games and sensory equipment to make hospital as fun as possible for our youngest patients.”

“It is safe to say the partnership we have with the Oxford Mail is one-of-a-kind.

“We are so grateful for all they do and think they are incredibly deserving of this award.”

FAI Farms, based in Wytham, also won an award after being nominated by FarmAbility – the charity which uses its farm to help people with learning disabilities and autism get into employment.

Sarah Giles, from FarmAbility, said: “Thanks to the farm’s generous support, we offer a rich range of purposeful, outdoor activities (animal care, vegetable growing, orchard management, egg work, woodwork, willow weaving) all year round.

“This enables people to thrive, build skills and confidence, and progress towards independent ways of living.”

The final award of the evening – which saw around 100 people from businesses and charities alike at the Hill End outdoors centre near Eynsham – went to Aaron Gee.

Mr Gee was nominated by Aspire Oxford for his work running a work placement programme to help people in Rose Hill get into employment.

Helen Mariner, from Aspire Oxford, said: “He has been instrumental in helping Aspire to establish a unique retail work placement programme for people who have a background of homelessness, offending histories, substance misuse or severe mental health difficulties.

“These work experience placements will be rolled out across Oxfordshire in time, so Aaron’s energy and commitment to creating these new bespoke opportunities will provide a lasting legacy set to benefit disadvantaged local people for many years to come.”

Carl Shuker, CEO of A-Plan Holdings, and Jeremy Wilson, south east managing director of Jelf, the event’s sponsors, said: “As judges, sponsors and ultimately local employers, it was a privilege to read the outstanding efforts being made by these businesses.

“We hope our awards will encourage more companies to get involved with their local charities because their support really can make a huge difference, as the awards night has shown.”