Our Charity Our Latest News Running for Ida This October, 35-year-old Kayleigh James, from Bicester, will be taking on the challenge of running the Oxford Half Marathon in support of Oxford Hospitals Charity. She is dedicating her efforts to giving back to the hospital that provided exceptional care for her nine-year-old daughter, Ida. Ida's journey began dramatically. "She burst into this world and turned our lives upside down," Kayleigh recalls. Shortly after Ida's birth, the team at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) made a crucial discovery - her left fibula was completely missing due to a rare condition known as Fibular Hemimelia. This condition meant Ida needed numerous surgeries and treatments, challenges that would test even the most resilient of adults. As Kayleigh says; "Ida is a powerhouse, a warrior and a true inspiration to everyone who meets her. She’s the bravest, most resilient child and I am in complete awe of her.” The most recent challenge for Ida has been her second leg lengthening, a daunting process in which her leg is carefully broken and stretched over several months using an external frame. She has spent months working with the amazing physio team who are helping her to strengthen her leg. Ida will still need many more operations going forward, including an ankle reconstruction and further lengthening of her leg into her teens. She is also scheduled for an eight-plate removal operation - the week before her mum’s Oxford Half. It is a long journey, but Ida takes it all in her stride. "The strength and determination of this tiny human is just incredible. She never questions her abilities, and pushes on with a fire in her belly, proving to the world that having no fibular is not a problem”, says Kayleigh. “I am running the half marathon in her honour. I am sure that one day, it will be her running in this race, against all the odds - taking every challenge in her stride. “I chose to run for Oxford Hospitals Charity to enable them to continue their vital work in helping to transform the hospitals that have offered the life-changing treatment Ida needs.” Kayleigh is one of our team of seventy runners taking part in this October's Oxford Half Marathon. So many of our team have incredible stories about what has inspired them to join Team Oxford Hospitals Charity, and run in support of our very special hospitals. If you would like to support Kayleigh, Click here See our events page for challenges you can also tackle in support of our hospitals. Would you be interested in learning more about our projects in your local hospitals? Consider signing up to receive further updates. Click here Manage Cookie Preferences