THE runners who braved the elements at this year’s Oxford Mail OX5 Run have raised more than £100,000 for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

More than 1,000 fundraisers took on the five-mile course around the grounds of Blenheim Palace on a wet and windy Sunday morning in March in aid of the hospital, and a total of £106,000 has now been donated.

Since its inception in 2003, the race has raised more than £850,000 towards medical equipment, specialist nurses and toys and games.

Last year’s run saw £112,000 raised – a record for the event – while £98,000 was donated as a result of the 2013 OX5 Run.

Sarah Vaccari from the hospital’s charity said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have topped the magic £100,000 mark for the second year running.

“This really is a huge amount of money to raise for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and will help make a very real difference to many local children and their families.

“We can’t thank the runners enough – the weather wasn’t kind this year but they were undaunted and the atmosphere was once again incredibly special.”

Victoria Plant’s daughter Matilda was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital from outside the county last week.

The one-year-old has since been discharged after having her appendix out.

The mother-of-four, 37, from Aldbury, Hertfordshire, said: “A lot of the fundraising goes on the extras that are often the most important things.

“I was able to sleep in the hospital with my child, which wouldn’t have happened without donations, and to have toys and a well-equipped playroom is a godsend.

“I’m very grateful and it’s important we keep fundraising.”

Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates sponsored the event for the seventh year and intends to do so again next year. Managing director Kate Allen said: “It is very special to come in to the hospital and seen first-hand the difference an event like the Oxford Mail OX5 Run can make for these children.

“Allen Associates has worked hard to build support from businesses.”