A family from Woodstock are pulling on their running shoes for the tenth consecutive year, in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Lynne and Tom Hammond take part in the OX5 RUN, organised by Oxford Hospitals Charity, every year, to say thank you for the care their children receive.

The Blenheim Palace run is the biggest annual fundraiser for Oxford’s children’s hospital, often raising over £100,000, and the Hammond family are one of the event’s top fundraisers.

Two of their children, Eliza and Hattie, are now old enough to run alongside their parents, in a team of friends and family.

Lynne explains: “Every year, we lace up our running shoes for the OX5 RUN, for one simple reason - gratitude.

“For the past ten years, the hospital has been a constant part of our family’s life, ever since our now 13-year-old, Eliza, was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts when she was just two years old.

SIGN UP TO THE OX5 RUN

“This is an extremely rare condition in children. Eliza had only 10% vision and needed three major eye operations and a long stay in hospital to save her sight as a toddler. She continues to have regular appointments and also had further surgery two years ago.

“When our third child, Charlie, was born he was also diagnosed with bilateral cataracts and at 14 weeks old, he went blind in his left eye and had only 1% vision in his right eye. He had the same major eye surgery as his sister to save his vision.

“So we visit the hospital regularly and each time we are reminded just how fortunate we are. The care, expertise and kindness we receive are second to none, and we are deeply thankful to every member of staff who has supported us over the years.

“Eliza is also facing further operations under the maxillofacial and Orthodontic clinic. So we continue to be in the hospital a lot. Knowing they are in such capable and compassionate hands brings us enormous reassurance.

“And that’s why each year we take part in the OX5 RUN. What began as a small way to say thank you has become an annual tradition that means the world to us.

“This year’s OX5 Run is especially meaningful as it marks our 10th year taking part. Reaching this milestone feels emotional and significant, and we hope to have a really large team taking part at Blenheim.”

The OX5 RUN takes place on Sunday 22^nd March at Blenheim Palace. Adults and children ten and over can take part in the five mile event. 

Read all the event info and sign up here www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run

You can also support the Children's Hospital and Children's services across our NHS Trust by making a donation today.