YOUNG Theodore McCormack is happily oblivious to that fact that the Oxford Children’s Hospital saved his life.

But his mum Lindsay is thanking them the best way she can – by taking part in the OX5 Run.

The ninth OX5 Run will take place at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, March 20, and organisers are hoping to break all previous records.

Last April, more than 850 runners crossed the finishing line to raise £57,000 for the hospital.

Mrs McCormack, 33, of Chedworth Drive, Witney, said: “When he was just eight weeks old, Theodore developed meningitis and septicaemia.

“He had had his meningitis jab just two days before, but by chance, he caught another virus before his body could develop the antibodies and the meningitis virus got into his brain.

“He was rushed into the children’s hospital and came very close to death.”

Theodore spent time in the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit, the high dependency unit and on a ward. During his 14-day stay the tot was close to death, spent several days unconscious but emerged a laughing, healthy baby.

Mrs McCormack said the nine month old’s ordeal had a massive impact on the family, husband Steven, 39 and daughter Rosemary, four.

She said: “It was deeply traumatic for all of us.

“But the hospital staff were so caring and compassionate and kept us so well informed, I just knew I had to do something to say thank you.”

Mrs McCormack was a keen runner and said: “I read about the run and knew it would be a way of both raising money for the hospital and giving me the incentive to start running again.

“I reclaimed my old jogging buggy from the shed and I’ve been out training twice so far.

“Theodore seems to like it.”

The £30m hospital was built in 2006 on the John Radcliffe Hospital site thanks to a £14m fundraising campaign.

Accommodation is also available for parents to stay overnight, either next to their child’s bed or in a dedicated suite.

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

Oxford recruitment firm Allen Associates will sponsor the event for the third time in a row.

Visit orhcharitablefunds.

nhs.uk or call 01865 743428.

  • Are you taking part? Tell us your story by calling Debbie Waite on 07863328300.