Introducing The Blyton Boys – two very special youngsters from Bicester who are taking part in the OX5 RUN this March for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

12-year-old Zac and 13-year-old Leo know the children’s hospital very well indeed.

When Zac was seven he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing cancer affecting his bowel.

Jenni his mum explained: ‘It was an aggressive cancer that needed to be treated in an aggressive way. There were long stays in hospital where he underwent a really tough treatment regime, with chemotherapy drugs, countless lumbar punctures, and scans, tests and the odd blood transfusion along the way.’

She added: ‘It was so hard to watch Zac going through so much, I would have done anything to swap places with him, but we were supported every step of the way by the amazing staff on the ward.”

In 2020, as he recovered at home during lockdown, Zac embarked on his own incredible challenge for the Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity – using his trusty pogo stick. At just seven years old, he hopped his way to raising an astonishing £6,000!

Last year Zac and his brother Leo took part in the OX5 RUN, raising even more funds for the hospital.

Leo, was the fastest across the line — the youngest-ever winner of the OX5 Run! At just 12 years old, he clocked a time of 30 minutes and 39 seconds that left everyone in awe. Now, he’s back to defend his title, fresh from his recent win as the U15 Oxfordshire Cross Country champion!

This year Zac, Leo, Dad Nick and Pebble the dog are running alongside many members of the long-standing Beths Bees Team, including Julia Spargo a seasoned OX5 Runner and friend of the charity.

In fact, this will be the Blyton family’s fourth consecutive OX5 RUN with their support for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Zac is now in remission and has been having yearly check-ups to ensure his health remains on track. Moreover, his most recent appointment last week brought a milestone worth celebrating - he no longer has to go for check-ups! So, for the Blyton family, this year’s OX5 Run is a celebration!
 
They will be running to say thank you to the staff who cared for Zac and for all the children and families whose lives have been touched by the Oxford Children’s Hospital—and for the incredible staff who make a difference every day.

Good luck to everyone in the team and keep an eye on Leo who is determined to keep that winning trophy for one more year!

If Zac and Leo have inspired you to take part in the OX5 RUN,  either by yourself or in a team, please visit www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run to find out more.

You can run, walk or jog the five-mile route at Blenheim Palace which takes place on Sunday 23^rd March.