WHEN Nicola Hilton takes her eight-year-old son Erik to Oxford Children’s Hospital, she is glad there is so much to occupy youngsters while they wait to be seen.

Donations to the hospital mean Erik and his sister Scarlett, 10, can play games or watch DVDs while they are waiting for Erik’s appointments.

Ms Hilton, 41, who lives with her children on a barge near Donnington Bridge, Oxford, says her son has needed regular treatment at the hospital after being born with a rare genetic disorder.

He has undergone three operations at the children’s hospital on his ears and his palette because he suffers from Kabuki Syndrome.

Ms Hilton, a former language school teacher, said she would be taking part in this year’s OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, April 18, to raise funds for new equipment. She said: “Until Erik was four, he couldn’t walk or speak, but since then he has made amazing progress.

“He had to go to the old children’s unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital and I have noticed a big improvement in the facilities at the new children’s hospital.

“It is so much easier now that I can sleep in a bed alongside Erik if he has to stay in overnight, and his sister comes up to the ward and they watch DVDs together.

“There are lots of play areas for the patients and their siblings and everything has been very well designed.

“I want to raise as much money for the hospital as possible to show support for the staff, who have always been very supportive.”

This year, organisers are hoping runners raise £65,000 for new toys and equipment.

Hospital spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “Nicola and Erik know first-hand what a special place the children’s hospital is.”

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