THE High Sheriff of Oxfordshire is running in tomorrow’s 5km Oxford Fun Run to raise funds for a charity which helps parents of children with cerebral palsy and brain damage pay for physiotherapy.

Father-of-four Richard Dick, 58, from Appleton, has already raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

Mr Dick said: “During my year as High Sheriff I have decided to support children’s charities.

“I hate running and I have never done any sort of charity run, but I am in training and looking forward to it.

“I’ve been running after work and I have got up to about 7km.”

The Footsteps Foundation –– the charitable arm of Warborough-based Footsteps –– began a campaign in September last year to raise £500,000 to help children with neurological disorders whose parents could not afford regular physio sessions.

The appeal has already reached £75,000, including one anonymous donation of £18,000.

Mr Dick, a trustee of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Charity, said: “It’s an excellent foundation because it helps children who are clearly in desperate need.

“It’s particularly nice to be able to support its work.

“To have a child who can’t walk would be a terrible burden, both for the child and their parents.”

Mr Dick, who is managing director of the Oxford property company W Lucy and Co, is also taking part in the Oxford Town and Gown 10km fun run, a week on Sunday.

The office of High Sheriff of Oxfordshire dates back to the year 995. Today, the duties are largely ceremonial, involving community and charitable schemes and organisations.

Footsteps Foundation spokesman Hazel Scott said: “We are delighted and honoured Mr Dick has chosen to run in the Oxford Fun Run to raise money and awareness for our foundation.”

The annual Oxford Fun Run, which is organised by Oxford Rotary Club, kicks off at the University Parks at 11am.

To take part, go to oxfordfunrun.org.uk or call 01865 516162.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk