Runners gear up for OX5 Run (From Witney Gazette)

Runners gear up for OX5 Run

6:34am Sunday 3rd February 2008 in Headlines By The Page Turner

STAFF from Oxford Children's Hospital are signing up to take part in this year's OX5 Run and are urging other teams to do the same.

Last year, the five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, which is backed by The Oxford Times and the Oxford Mail, raised more than £50,000 for Chox.

Staff at the hospital recently celebrated the state-of-the-art facility's first birthday and 67,000 patients from across the country were treated there during the first 12 months.

Chox is collecting £15m towards the cost of the hospital on the site of the John Radcliffe in Headington and more than £13.8m has so far been raised towards the £15m target, which fundraisers hope to reach by the end of the year.

Staff are right behind the fundraising campaign and many of them are digging out their kit and signing up to take part in the race on Sunday April 6.

Staff nurse Cheryl Crawford, 25, from Cowley, said: "There are about 12 staff who have signed up so far and we are hoping to get more.

"I'm not sure if I can run five miles but I will walk round if I can't run.

"I used to work at the Radcliffe Infirmary and there is a vast difference at the new hospital.

"The modern facilities we have here make life a lot easier for patients and parents and the more money we can raise the better."

Naomi Antcliff, a staff nurse on Robin's Ward, added: "I decided to take part because it's a great, fun way to do something to support the hospital."

Alice Gosling, director of fundraising for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, added: "So many people have contributed to the success of the campaign so far, it has been wonderful.

"One great way to get involved is to take part in the OX5 Run, and encourage friends and family to join you."

Funds raised by the charity have been used to add features and equipment in the hospital that would otherwise have been beyond the standard NHS budget. One major feature of the children's hospital is the parent bed and storage area that has been included next to most of the 106 children's beds.

In addition, there are classrooms, play terraces, sensory rooms, colourful sporting animal direction signs, adolescent facilities and parent/patient kitchen and lounge facilities.

Actor and singer Jason Donovan has confirmed that he will fire the starting gun to get the race officially under way for the second year running.

He said: "The children's hospital is a cause that's close to my heart so I am delighted to support the OX5 Run 2008.

"I've seen for myself what a great facility the Children's Hospital is and what an amazing difference all the community support has made.

"I urge everyone to continue supporting the hospital so that it continues to be one of the best in Europe."

There is a cup to be won by the fastest team, consisting of a minimum of five people, but runners of all abilities are encouraged to come along.

For information on how to take part, or posters and flyers to promote the event, call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445 or visit the hospital appeal www.chox.org.uk