MORE than 1,000 fundraisers found reason to tie up their trainers and tackle last year’s Oxford Mail OX5 Run.

They ran for the sport, for the fun of running in fancy dress, out of gratitude for the hard work NHS staff provide some of the country’s most poorly children, and for personal connections to Oxford’s Children’s Hospital, which is the run's beneficiary.

Now organisers are calling on others to join them and take on the five-mile fundraiser on March 24 in aid of Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity.

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Walk, jog, or run, everyone has their reasons for supporting the hospital including mum Bryony Potter who is running to say thanks for the care her son has received whilst battling leukaemia.

Nine-year-old Noah Castro was diagnosed with a type of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in October 2017 and is now forced to have chemotherapy every night, and numerous hospital visits.

His mum said: “Noah is amazing. He takes everything in his stride and every time he is at the hospital he is relaxed. It is like our second home.

“The hospital is an amazing cause to be supporting, because you never know when your children will be in there needing treatment.

“Never in a million years did I think Noah would get leukaemia. It is the care at the hospital which has kept him going through it all.”

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Noah, from Witney, took centre stage alongside youngster Anna Drysdale at last year’s OX5 Run, sponsored by Allen Associates, to set off the runners.

Ms Potter said: “I think it was all quite exciting for him.

“He had just been in hospital the week previous to the race, so it was nice for him to come out and help start the runners.”

READ MORE: OX5 Run is heading to a record year

Among them was the 17-strong Team Noah, running in the youngster's honour.

The team plan to return this year.

The team say it is their ‘thank you’ to staff for all they do for Noah.

Ms Potter added: “They treat patients in such a loving special way that makes you feel at ease.

“It is all for an amazing cause and it is nice to be able to help raise as much money as possible for Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity.

Oxford Mail:

The run will take place at Blenheim Palace on March 24 and participants can walk, jog or run the five-mile route.

It takes in the picturesque, though hilly, surrounds of the palace. Many opt to join the fun with fancy dress costumes.

Entry is £17.50 as part of an earlybird special offer before February 24.

Runners are expected to raise at least £200 towards supporting Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity.

Over the years, the event has helped raise more than £1m towards vital equipment and support. Funds raised previously have also gone towards the building of a new 62-bedroom house for parents to stay near by.

  • Sign up online at ox5run.co.uk or for more details charity@ouh.nhs.uk or 01865 743444