A TEENAGER who raised more than £15,000 for Oxford Children's Hospital is in the running for a national award.

Andrew Baker was nominated for Britain's Most Inspiring Fundraiser Award organised by charity website everyclick.com.

The 19-year-old started raising money for the charity in 2003, two years after undergoing life-saving surgery to remove a brain tumour at Oxford's Radcliffe Infirmary.

He said: "I was quite surprised when I found out I'd been nominated. I hadn't expected it at all.

"I've always just wanted to help lots of people and try and do my bit, though I couldn't have done what I have without the support of my friends."

Andrew, of King Walk, Didcot, never intended to carry on fundraising for as long as he has, but he kept coming up with ideas for events.

He said: "I didn't really think about it when I started, I just wanted to raise a bit of money. But I was always thinking of other ways to raise money so I carried on.

"Because of everything the hospital did for me when I was ill I wanted to help them.

"The new children's hospital is fantastic and being able to help other kids in Oxfordshire is the best thing."

Everyclick.com is an internet search engine that donates money to charity every time someone uses it.

The eventual winner will receive a £20,000 cheque for their chosen charity at an award ceremony in London in May.

Andrew said: "I think I would split the money equally between CHOX and Help an Oxfordshire Child, which I've recently become involved with. They are both really good causes and it would be nice to be able to help both of them."

Kendra Pilcher, who runs the charity Change for a Smile, nominated Andrew for the award.

She said: "I think the work Andrew does is fantastic, especially when you take into account everything he's been through "I nominated him because I wanted him to receive the recognition he deserves. He has worked so hard and gets everyone involved - he's amazing."

Hospital spokesman Penny Hambridge said: "Andrew has been extremely supportive of the children's hospital and has inspired people to raise money.

"We're so grateful for all his hard work and dedication and wish him every success with the award.

"Should he win, his generous contribution would help with the treatment 65,000 children a year from Oxfordshire and across the UK."