WARM weather greeted families as they took part in a run for Parkinson’s Disease sufferers.

Children and adults put on their sprinting gear for the Cutteslowe Canter at Oxford’s Cutteslowe Park on Saturday.

Inspector Morse author and North Oxford resident Colin Dexter started the race.

The event, which included three and five-mile routes, was organised by the Oxford branch of the Parkinson’s Society as part of the charity’s national awareness week, which finished on Sunday.

Among those enjoying the sunshine was Parkinson’s suffer Jeremy Appleton.

The 69-year-old, of Church Lane, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, was diagnosed with the disease in February 2006.

He said: “The weather was lovely and we attracted a nice crowd.

“Everybody had a brilliant day and we were very grateful to all those who were involved.”

He added: “Mr Dexter was in good spirits. It was great to see a man in his 80s, walking up to the start line and starting the race.

“My family were all there and my granddaughter Georgia, 15, did extremely well – running three miles in 28 minutes.

“I hope there will also be a good financial result for the charity.”

Paul Brackett, 49, of Thistle Drive, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said: “I have been supporting the society for the past few years.

“I run regularly each week and take part in a lot of marathons.

“Cutteslowe Park was beautiful to run around.”

Paul and Susan Gallimore took daughters Olivia, seven, and Ruby, five. The foursome ran the three-mile route.

Mrs Gallimore, 42, said: “The girls had always wanted to join us, and this was a brilliant opportunity for them to do it.

“The atmosphere was great. There were lots of children and the sunshine was perfect.”

Steve Caswell, organiser of the race, said he was pleased with the turnout of about 100.

He said: “It makes the hard work and planning all worthwhile.”

Mr Caswell said he expected the event to have raised at least £2,000 for the society.