WHEN Nicola Gomm signed up to take part in the Oxford Mail’s OX5 Run, she knew it was all for a good cause.

But the 48-year-old was given a stark insight into the work of the Oxford Children’s Hospital just days before last year’s run to raise cash for the facility.

Her 12-year-old son Wilfred was admitted with septic arthritis, an experience which gave her first hand experience of the work of the hospital, at the John Radcliffe Hospital site in Oxford.

And she went on to scoop the fastest female title in just 34 minutes and two seconds.

A keen amateur runner, Mrs Gomm, from Ascott-under-Wychwood, said: “I never expected to win it, but it was great because Wilfred was incredibly proud of me. There was a lovely atmosphere on the day with such a good mix of people taking part – but to be honest I didn’t hang around for long afterwards. I just wanted to get back to my son.”

She is now calling on runners to take part in the annual charity run, just 10 weeks away.

It takes place at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, March 20, and organisers hope to smash last year’s £57,000 fundraising total, when more than 850 people took part.

Former Neighbours star Jason Donovan started the race, a year after Witney MP David Cameron performed the honours.

The Oxford Mail is sponsoring the race for the ninth year running.

Mail promotions manager Jo Coady said: “It is a pleasure to support such a fantastic charity.

“The children’s hospital performs such a vital role and every year we are overwhelmed by the level of support the race receives.

“It would be fantastic if this year we could do even better than ever and raise the highest total on record.”

The £30m hospital was built with £14m in donations. It looks after children with conditions including heart disease, chest problems, cancer, and neurological disorders, and carries out general and specialist surgery.

Money raised from last year’s event was used to buy new medical equipment and upgrade facilities.

To get involved, visit orhcharitablefunds.nhs.uk, call 01865 743428, or fill out the form at the link below.