Katrina and Chris Randon faced every parent’s nightmare when their son Alan was born 14 months ago.

Following his birth at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, doctors told the couple their son needed an operation on his stomach.

At just four days old, baby Alan had an emergency operation on his large intestine at Oxford Children’s Hospital and has since undergone two further operations on his stomach.

Alan’s condition is now improving and his parents hope he will not require further surgery.

Mr and Mrs Randon, of Forget-me-Not Way, in Greater Leys, raised £2,500 for the hospital when they took part in a sponsored abseil last year — and now they are taking part in this year’s Oxford Mail OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, to raise more money.

Organisers are hoping more than 1,000 runners will take part in the five-mile race around the grounds of the stately home on Sunday, April 19.

Mrs Randon, who works for an engineering firm in Banbury, said her son was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a condition affecting the development of the nerves in the large intestine.

She said: “When we were first told about Alan’s condition it was very difficult for us because we didn’t know anything about it and Alan needed an operation so soon.

“But the staff at the hospital handled everything so well, and reassured us that it was a necessary procedure.

“I have stayed overnight quite a few times at the children’s hospital with Alan.

“The facilities there are fantastic and the nursing staff take care of families so well.

“We have a follow-up appointment with Alan’s consultant but we’re very hopeful that he will develop normally from now on.”

Sarah Vaccari, a spokesman for Oxford Children’s Hospital, said: “We’re really delighted that Katrina and her husband Chris are continuing their support of the hospital and have been motivated to take part in the run.

“We aim to give children like baby Alan the very best care and the extra funds that come in through events like this make sure that is possible.

“Let's hope lots more people will follow Katrina's lead so we can make this the most successful run yet.”

In recent years, the OX5 Run has raised more than £50,000 in sponsorship for the £30m children’s hospital, which opened in January 2007 following a community campaign to raise £15m.

More than 60,000 patients from across the country are treated at the hospital every year.

This year’s run is being sponsored by Allen Associates and Motorworld.

Entry for the OX5 Run is £10 per person, with each runner asked to try to raise at least £100 in sponsorship.

If you would like to enter, please fill in and return the registration form printed on this page or call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445 for details.

The form can also be downloaded from our website at oxfordmail.co.uk/ox5run affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk