RUNNING for Parliament will stop David Cameron running in the annual OX5 race – but he has urged others to sign up to support Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The Conservative Party leader started the OX5 Run last year and took part in the race himself.

Mr Cameron has told organisers he is unable to take part in the five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on Sunday, April 18, but has given the charity event his full support.

The MP has become the latest well-known personality to record an advert for Oxford-based Jack FM promoting the run, and the radio station started playing his plug for the race on Tuesday.

Mr Cameron, whose wife Samantha revealed earlier this week that she is expecting their fourth child, tells listeners: “Hi. I’m David Cameron and I did the Oxford Mail OX5 Run last year.

“I can’t do it this year as it’s right in the middle of the General Election campaign, but take it from me this is a fantastic event and the money goes to a really great cause.

“So go on, sign up and get ready to run on Sunday, April 18.”

Children’s presenter Andi Peters and Dale Harris, from Cowley, whose daughter Mya, seven, suffers spina bifida and is a frequent visitor to the hospital, have also recorded adverts.

More than 500 runners have already signed up to take part – half way towards the organisers’ target of 1,000 runners.

If 1,000 people take part, it will be the largest number of runners since the event started in 2002 and will raise an estimated £65,000 for new toys and equipment at the hospital.

Sarah Vaccari, a spokes-man for the children’s hospital, said: “We’re delighted that David Cameron is showing his support once again for the children’s hospital by taking the time to help promote the OX5 Run.

“He was a real sport last year – not only acting as the official starter, but running the entire event and bringing in a substantial amount of sponsorship as well.

“We now have 500 people signed up – which is 100 ahead of this time last year, but we would still love to reach the goal of 1,000.”

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk