New date for the OX5 Run

On Sunday, April 6, a heavy snowfall across Oxfordshire meant the five-mile race at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, had to be postponed.

Yesterday, race organisers announced that with the help of sponsors, the run has now been rescheduled for Sunday, June 1, starting at 10.30am.

Singer and actor Jason Donovan, who started the race last year, was due to run in the event earlier this month, but his busy schedule means he will be out of the country in June.

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising for the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "It was with regret that we had to postpone the run earlier this month, due to the snow.

"We are very grateful to our friends and organisers of the event, the Oxford Mail, for working so hard to reschedule the run, and we do hope that everyone who has registered will still be able to join us."

Race numbers sent out previously are still valid for the new date. New participants can also register. It costs £10 to enter in advance or £12.50 on the day.

Mr Brogden added: "We hope the new date might create an opportunity for even more participants to sign up, and it gives us all a little longer to secure sponsors and for more training - something I certainly could do with."

So far, more than 550 people are due to take part in the run. Last year's run raised £50,000 for the Children's Hospital, which opened 15 months ago.

Claire Hooper, communications manager for the fundraising team, added: "You can never tell with the British weather, but we're hopeful that snow won't be a problem this time.

"It's a great shame that Jason Donovan will not be able to take part this time, because he has been such a great supporter of the children's hospital, but we know he will continue to support the work we're doing."

For further information about the OX5 Run, call 01865 743444.