He told the crowd: "My son was diagnosed in the John Radcliffe so I've seen for myself the brilliant staff, the brilliant nurses and I still remember everything they did." He then jokingly urged the crowd: "Now go as slowly as you can to make me look good."
Runners of all ages, shapes and sizes tackled the 5-mile scenic route through the grounds of Blenheim Palace. The event, organised by the Oxford Mail, could raise over £50,000 for the hospital.
The Conservative Party leader finished the course in a very respectable 44 minutes and 44 seconds, but it was Kidlington-based fireman Gary Crone who led the field, winning the run in an impressive 28 minutes 28 seconds. The fastest female runner was 26 year old Kerri-Anne Bundock, who completed the challenging course in 36 minutes 23 seconds.
Head of Community Fundraising, Graham Brogden said: "We are thrilled at the turnout for this year's run, making it the most successful yet. It really was inspiring to see so many people doing something really worthwhile with their Sunday morning, by showing their support for the Children's Hospital."
Many of the runners were parents who wanted to say thank you for the treatment their children have received. Chris and Katrina Randon, ran with their 17 month-old son, Alan who is regularly treated at the hospital.
Katrina said: "The facilities at the hospital are fantastic and the nursing staff take care of families so well." Chris added: "It would probably have been easier without Alan on my back, but we all wanted to give something back."
The winner of the team cup was Team Chloe, a group of fire fighters and friends running in memory of Chloe Drew who died shortly after birth.
Her father, Darren Drew, said: "That's why we did this. The children's hospital, particularly the special care baby unit, were fantastic to us and we wanted to give something back."
Graham Brogden paid tribute to all the people taking part and added: "We are also incredibly grateful to all our friends at the Oxford Mail for organising and promoting the event each year, to David Cameron for his support and to the event sponsors Allen Associates and Motorworld for their enthusiastic contributions."
continues
Kate Allen, Managing Director of Allen Associates, commented: "It was fantastic that so many local businesses entered teams for the run. We would like to thank all of them for taking part in the event. Sponsoring the run has enabled us, our clients and candidates to raise money for the Children's Hospital in a way that has fostered team working and boosted morale in these challenging times."
-
The Children's Hospital, Oxford (CHOx) opened in January 2007. £14 million was raised through fundraising to help build and equip the £30 million hospital. The hospital treats up to 65,000 children every year from across the region and in some specialist cases across the UK.
Contact: ORH Charitable Funds Department
Contact Details:
01865 743428 / sarah.vaccari@orh.nhs.uk|