Jason Donovan starts OX5 Run (From Witney Gazette)

Jason Donovan starts OX5 Run

3:19pm Monday 26th March 2007 in Witney

FANS were starstruck as Jason Donovan started Sunday's OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Four-year-old Mya Harris, who is treated for spinal bifida at the new hospital, was hugged by the celebrity superstar before he started the race for 800 runners.

The run was organised for a fifth successful year by our sister papers, The Oxford Times and the Oxford Mail.

Mr Donovan spent time having his photo taken with the crowds, before starting the race at 10.30am.

The former Neighbours actor chose to support the run after giving money raised from ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! to the children's charity.

He said: "I'm here today to support the Oxford Children's Hospital, which benefits 65,000 children. I'm a little bit flued up, so I'm not running myself, but it's an honour to start the race. I'm living locally with my partner Ange, who is from Oxford, and she has a special association with the Children's Hospital.

"It's nice to be able to support a regional charity."

The Oxford Children's Hospital opened in January on the John Radcliffe site, in Headington, Oxford.

Last year, OX5 runners raised over £50,000 towards the hospital.

Oxford Children's Hospital fundraising manager, Janet Sprake, said: "We're very pleased with the number of people who entered. If we raise anywhere near £50,000, we will be absolutely ecstatic."

This year, the runners were electronically tagged for the first time, so their times could be accurately recorded.

OX5 organiser and Newsquest Oxfordshire publishing manager, Tom Mitchell, said: "The event just goes from strength to strength. What's really good is that we are seeing some familiar faces now, as well as newcomers."

Runners paid £10 to enter, or £12.50 on the day, and were asked to raise £100 in sponsorship.