A TEENAGER who fought off respiratory failure as a one year old is now taking on five miles to say thank you to the medical team that helped her.

Abbie Hurdiss and her father Tim will take on the Oxford Mail OX5 Run on Sunday to give something back to the Oxford Children's Hospital team who cared for the young adult.

At just 18 months old the youngster was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after a severe asthma attack.

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Mr Hurdiss, development director for The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), said: "The Unit took such wonderful care of Abbie and we are to this day immensely thankful.

"It is clearly apparent how hard the doctors and nurses work in PICU and the challenges they themselves face dealing with such sensitive situations daily.

"The intensity of the environment and ethos of trying to help in any way possible is a testament to us all."

Abbie, who lives in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is now an 'energetic' 16 year old who will be running the five-mile fundraiser round Blenheim Palace alongside her father, but also his colleagues at OSJCT.

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The Trust has partnered up with the team at PICU to together tackle the OX5 Run, sponsored by Allen Associates.

Dr Avishay Sarfatti, consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care medicine, said: "We are delighted to have found this common thread with OSJCT and very much looking forward to associating with the Trust and running together in the OX5 Run.

"Their support and understanding of our unit and the care we provide has been much welcomed."

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The OX5 Run will take more than 1,000 runner, joggers and walkers round the grounds of Blenehim Palace on Sunday.

Money raised at the event will help support Oxford Children's Hospital Charity providing vital support and equipment for paediatric care in the county.

The event has raised more than £1m in its history supporting the children's hospital.

Mr Hurdiss added: "Dr Sarfatti and I wish the best of luck to all the runners and in raising awareness and funds for the Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity which is such a worthy cause."

Competitors can still sign up to walk, jog or run the OX5 Run either as an individual or by joining a team.

For more details go to ox5run.co.uk