Sarah’s big run for the Oxford Children’s Hospital

 

As a former Teaching Assistant at Cholsey Primary and later Wallingford School, Sarah Wilkins knows well the work of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

She’s seen many pupils over the years under its care and has also experienced the NHS in action, supporting her own friends and family.

Now, Sarah is one of hundreds of people lacing up her trainers this March to take part in the OX5 RUN to help local children in hospital.

She explains: “I was doing the Couch to 5k to keep myself fit, and my husband came back one day saying he had a surprise for me.

“I was secretly hoping it was a holiday, but he’d actually signed us up for the run at Blenheim Palace after hearing about it on the radio!

“But now I can’t wait to take part; having this in the calendar has really helped motivate me with my training, and although I won’t be first to cross the finish line, I understand I am currently one of the top fundraisers, which is great news.”

The annual five-mile run at Blenheim Palace raises vital funds to help local children in hospital. 

Taking place on Sunday, March 23rd, there is still time to sign up and join the hundreds of runners and walkers doing their bit for this local cause. Just visit www.ox5run.com

Sarah’s husband had a heart attack nine years ago. Once he’d recovered, the pair climbed Ben Nevis in support of Oxford Hospitals Charity, the organisers of the OX5 RUN. So this will be their second challenge to help the local charity.

Sarah added: “I hear there are a few hills at Blenheim, but after doing Ben Nevis, we’re not too worried.

“The NHS do such incredible things. We saw it when our daughter was in the special care baby unit and when my son broke his leg as a baby – and when my husband had his heart attack. They’re there for us from the cradle to the grave – so it’s great to be able to give back and support our local hospitals.”

Claire Hughes from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We’d like to share a huge thank you to Sarah for taking part and all her fundraising efforts! And hope she’s inspired more local people to take part and support their local Children’s Hospital.”

To sign up for the OX5 RUN at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, 23rd March, visit www.ox5run.com