Year after year, thousands of runners, walkers and joggers take on the five mile OX5 Run at Blenheim to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

The event – originally created by the Oxford Mail during the appeal to create a specialist children’s hospital -  has now raised an incredible £1 million to date,  funding vital equipment, research, play areas and toys to make children as comfortable as possible during their stay.

And this week the Oxford Mail was  given a special award for 16 years of support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Sarah Vaccari, from Oxford Hospitals Charity which nominated the Mail, said: ‘It is not an exaggeration to say this event has helped us transform care and save lives.

‘In the early days money raised went towards our £15 million appeal to build the hospital, which opened in 2007.

‘Since then it has funded so many things, including equipment to cool babies who have a lack of oxygen at birth to actually prevent brain damage.

‘It has also funded tailored space for teens with cancer; a pain relief nurse; parent rooms and games and sensory equipment to make hospital as fun as possible for our youngest patients.

It is safe to say the partnership we have with the Oxford Mail is one-of-a-kind.

‘We are so grateful for all they do and think they are incredibly deserving of this award. We’d also like to thank the event sponsors for the past nine years, Allen Associates.’

Carl Shuker, CEO of A-Plan Holdings, and Jeremy Wilson, south east managing director of Jelf, the sponsors of the Local Business Charity Awards, said: ‘As judges, sponsors and ultimately local employers, it was a privilege to read the outstanding efforts being made by these businesses.

‘We hope our awards will encourage more companies to get involved with their local charities because their support really can make a huge difference, as the awards night has shown.’

Find our how you can help make a difference for our young patients by making a donation today.  Tel: 01865 743 444 Email: [email protected]  Donate online now     Other ways to support Do remember to tick the Gift Aid box if you are a UK taxpayer, as that will increase your donation by 25 percent.