We'd like to share the amazing story of Alison and her 16-year-old son, George, from Didcot, who are running for our charity at the OX5 RUN this March.

The mum and son are lacing up their trainers at Blenheim Palace, to say thank you for the months of hospital care George received.

In November 2024, George was playing basketball and had an injury that caused him severe abdominal pain.

He needed immediate urgent emergency treatment and went to Abingdon Accident and Emergency, and was then sent to the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

After a series of scans and tests, it was discovered that the impact of the basketball accident had ruptured George’s pancreas. Due to the complex nature of his injuries, he had to be referred to a specialist team at the Churchill Hospital before going back to the children’s hospital.

The family's lives were totally turned upside down and the Oxford Children’s Hospital became home for the next 15 weeks.

Alison explains: “The moment George was admitted to hospital, quite literally our lives changed overnight. I don’t think anyone could have predicted what was going to happen and how long and how deeply it would impact not only George, but the whole family.”

It was during the 105-day hospital stay that Alison saw a poster for the OX5 RUN, our five-mile fun run around Blenheim Palace in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

She decided to get involved after seeing firsthand how the charity supports patients and staff in the hospital, explaining: “I knew about the OX5 RUN, having taken part over 10 years ago, but it was only during our lengthy hospital stay that I truly realised how this event plays such a part in what the charity can do for patients and staff.

"As a family, we directly benefited from the program of support that the charity offers, and this felt like a great way of showing our support.

“We spent a lot of time in the family room on Mel’s Ward, which the charity supports, and we loved popping down to the Charity Hub to see Jamie and the team. It really helped us shape some normality in what is an extremely unpredictable time.”

Last March, George was finally well enough to be discharged and even went on to cheer his mum on as she crossed the finish line at the 2025 OX5 RUN event.

Nearly a year on, George has made a remarkable recovery and has even returned to playing in his National League Basketball team! 

So this year, he is well enough to be lacing up his own trainers and joining his mum for the five-mile fun run at Blenheim.

George said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today with the freedom to live my life in the way I do, without the support of the many people who contributed to getting me better.”

We are incredibly inspired by George and his mum, and hope you are too.