PRIME Minister David Cameron has given his support to a team of 164 parents running the Blenheim Palace Triathlon this weekend for a 10-year-old girl fighting leukaemia.

Scarlett Clarkson, who has had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since she was six, faces at least another 12 months after years of chemotherapy, steroids and radiotherapy at John Radcliffe Hospital.

After raising £130,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research last year with 22 dads – including Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood – dad Dan Clarkson has rallied a team of 164 this time round for the Sunday leg of this weekend’s two-day event.

Their efforts have drawn praise from Conservative MP for Witney Mr Cameron, who expressed his support for the group.

The 48-year-old said: “This is such an important cause and I want to wish everyone involved in the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon the very best of luck.

“There are few things more distressing than being diagnosed with cancer and, while survival rates are improving, there is so much more to do.”

So far fundraisers, known as Scarlett’s Dragons, have raised £123,000 for the charity, and Mr Clarkson said they were aiming to better it this year. The sizeable group is made up of of parents and teachers from the Dragon School in Oxford, where Scarlett is a pupil.

Mr Clarkson said he was overwhelmed by support following last year’s success.

This year will be the first a whole wave will be dedicated to Scarlett, meaning all the group will be allowed start together after meeting the race’s requirement of 150 to 200 people in one group to do so.

Mr Clarkson, from North Oxford, said: “We are aiming high with our fundraising again as this is a cause close to our hearts.

“For the first time ever a whole wave will be decked out in turquoise and pink and dedicated to one very special person.

“Friends and fellow school parents have taken to the challenge in grand style and one dad is taking part despite having a baby due only two days before the event. Another athlete has an exam in London on the morning of the event and has hired a motorbike to deliver her to the start line on time.”

* To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/scarlettsdragons