HOSPITAL play specialist Emma Soper is planning to wear stripes in this year’s OX5 Run so she looks like the elusive character in Where’s Wally — the popular children’s books.

Mrs Soper, 29, from Chipping Norton, has worked at Oxford Children’s Hospital for the past four-and-a-half years.

As a play specialist, her job is to reassure youngsters before they undergo operations or other complex medical procedures.

Mrs Soper said it would be the first time she had taken part in the five-mile OX5 Run, which raises funds for the hospital on the John Radcliffe site in Headington.

This year’s race, in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, takes place on Sunday, April 18.

The Oxford Mail is backing the event, along with recruitment specialists Allen Associates.

Mrs Soper said: “I’ll be taking part in the run because I’m aware of just how important the race is for raising funds for new toys and equipment for the hospital. I’m trying to persuade as many fellow members of staff as possible to take part because the OX5 is one of the hospital’s biggest annual fundraisers.

Of her job, she said:“We try to explain to children at an appropriate level what will happen when they undergo surgery, but we also try to provide lots of play and enjoyment.

“We heavily rely on funds from the public to buy the toys and equipment we need, and without their help we would be really stuck.

“I would like to buy lots of new books because they are a great way of distracting the children.

“I’m trying to encourage my friends to dress up in stripey tops like the character in the book.

“My husband Lee and I have started a slow and steady training programme to build up stamina and I am trying to contact as many runners as possible on the staff to get them to take part.”

Organisers are hoping 1,000 runners will take part in April’s run to raise the biggest total so far — £65,000.

Penny Hambridge, children’s development officer at the hospital, said: “The play specialists do a tremendous job, helping to both calm and entertain the children we treat and making their experience of hospital so much more positive.

“Much of the equipment and facilities they use has been funded through donations, so they know more than most the importance of fundraising events like the OX5 Run.

“We would love to top the 1,000 mark for runners, so urge all readers to sign up now.”

To sign up for the run, call 01865 743444, email campaign@orh.nhs.uk or go to charitablefunds.nhs.uk