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Two families are getting ready for the OX5 Run for the second year running - to raise funds for the city's children's hospital.

Paula Thomas, 38, from Yarnton, and Julie Millard, 42, from Begbroke, both have children who have spent a lot of time in hospital.

Mrs Thomas's daughter Harriet, seven, was born with a rare skin condition. She had a giant mole on her back and dozens of oversized moles on the rest of her body. She has had 30 operations to remove them.

This means that instead of higher-than-normal risks of cancer, the chances of her contracting the disease are the same as everyone else.

Mother-of-two Mrs Thomas, 38, of Stoutfield Close, said: "We took part in the race last year and really enjoyed it - we raised about £2,600."

Her husband Andrew, who works for Canon UK, added: "Harriet has had to stay in the new children's hospital on a number of occasions.

"The new hospital is obviously a lot newer and fresher than the Radcliffe Infirmary, but the care in both places has always been of a very high standard."

This year's five-mile run is being staged once again in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, and for the second year running, singer Jason Donovan will start the race on Sunday, April 6.

Last year, more than 800 runners took part in the race and raised £50,000 towards a £15m target. So far, £13.8m has been raised.

Miss Millard's son Harry, seven, has suffered with severe eczema and asthma since he was six months old.

Miss Millard said: "Harry has a really severe type of asthma and needs fortnightly blood tests - he is on quite strong medication.

"We will run, walk or jog round the course because the children want to do something for the hospital."

Chox spokesman Graham Brogden added: "We are delighted that the Thomas and Millard families are coming back to take part in the OX5 Run one year on.

"On the registration form it says as a guideline that people must register by March 10, but that is not the cut-off point - people can register right up until the last minute.

"They can even register on the day of the race, but it will cost them £12.50 instead of the £10 it costs to register in advance."

Last year, staff from the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times took the team trophy.

To take part, fill in the coupon on oxfordmail.co.uk, or call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445.

2:39pm Friday 29th February 2008

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