People are being urged to sign up for a fun run in Oxford that will help children with disabilities live life to the full.

Although the Run for the Children event is not due to take place until June 29, organisers have appealed for people to sign up now and start raising sponsorship.

The 3km run around Summertown in north Oxford aims to raise cash for The Children's Trust.

The trust helps and cares for children who have either been in an accident or had a sudden illness and suffered brain damage.

This will be the first time the charity has held an event in Oxford, although last year a similar event took place at Eynsham Hall, Witney.

Jennifer Durlston-Powell, spokesman for Run for the Children, said: "Our events are slightly different from the norm in that they are all about families - children in particular - running together.

"The run will raise funds for a new rehabilitation centre which will help children who have received brain injuries.

"The centre will allow children to receive specialised, round-the-clock care, helping the children get back on their feet and home with their families.

"Every £1 raised in sponsorship takes us one step closer to building the centre and making a real difference - £10 could buy bricks, £20 would be a small wall."

More than 27,500 people have taken part in a Run for the Children fun run since it launched in 2003.

Ms Durlston-Powell added: "The number of runs we are staging is doubling every year and people find that once they get all the family involved it encourages them all to lead a more healthy life.

"We have big hopes for the future and are aiming to have a million people involved in fun runs in towns and cities across the UK by 2012."

To find out more call 01903 883941 or visit website runforthechildren.co.uk