SPORTS stars helped fundraisers collect a record-breaking £19,000 for an Oxford hospice where staff cared for a woman suffering from cancer.

Sarah Magee, 32, of Manor Road, Wantage, fought a long battle against cervical cancer and spent the last three months of her life at Sobell House in Headington.

Sarah's friends and husband Jamie decided to raise funds for the hospice by running the final furlong - 220 yards - of all 61 racecourses in the country.

They finally passed the post at Newbury race course in March, where the Run for Sarah team were joined by friends from across the racing community, and nurses and fundraisers from Sobell House.

The team, including Rowan Hyde, Mitch Barnard and Paul Logue, completed the challenge in eight days.

Jockey Frankie Dettori and Manchester United footballer John O'Shea also donated their kits to a charity auction, which raised £1,500.

Sobell House spokesman Kevin James said: "The event has proved to be a success beyond anything we could imagine, raising over £19,000 which, to our knowledge, makes them the single biggest fundraisers ever for the charity."

Mr Magee, 32, added: "Owners, trainers and jockeys - a lot of people in the racing community - pulled together for this good cause because Sarah was one of their own.

"She would have been a little bit embarrassed by all the fuss, but I am delighted by the amount raised because I know the good work the staff at Sobell House do, and they have told me how far this money will go.

"It was a fantastic effort by everyone and we all got together on the last day at Newbury race course."