A SCIENTIST who works on heart transplants is calling on Oxford Mail readers to get involved in this year’s OX5 Run.

Keen cyclist Dr Kate Charlesworth, who works at the John Radcliffe Hospital, is taking part because she thinks the Oxford Children’s Hospital is a worthy cause.

The 29-year-old, from Headington, has not taken part in a run before but hopes her love of cycling will stand her in good stead.

She will be joined by best friend Aileen Mooney, who works for Oxford University.

Dr Charlesworth said: “I am pretty nervous about the run but looking forward to it. I do not really know what to expect. I work in the heart valve bank at the hospital and obviously we are aware of all the good work that is done at the Oxford’s Children Hospital.”

The heart valve unit collects and prepares human heart tissue for transplant – mostly for babies with heart defects.

Dr Charlesworth said: “I have been with the bank for around 14 months. I wanted to help raise money to support the work carried out at the bank and cardiac surgeons at the hospital.”

Sarah Vaccari, of the hospital fundraising team, said: “Now the snow has left us, and with three months to go before the event, it’s the perfect time to sign up and start training.”

Organisers hope more than 1,000 runners will take part in the event at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, April 18. Last year, more than 700 runners including Witney MP and Tory leader David Cameron raised about £57,000.