PROUD auntie Karen Bamford will run this year’s OX5 for nephew Marcus Hayles so other children don’t have to face his daily battle with cerebral palsy.

Mrs Bamford, 46, from Woodstock, will join runners at Blenheim Palace for the first time this year, to raise money for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Doctors regularly see Marcus, 10, who uses a wheelchair, after he suffered a lack of oxygen to his brain at birth.

Marcus, a pupil at the Bardwell School, in Bicester,was diagnosed with cerebral palsy a day after his first birthday and has daily therapy.

Last year’s charity run at the Woodstock stately home paid for a cooling system for newborns which can reduce or avoid brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy.

Mrs Bamford, a PA at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said: “I’ve run for charity in the past but this event will be really special for me, because it will benefit the hospital I work for and has also been inspired by my wonderful nephew Marcus.”

Mrs Bamford said: “Marcus goes through so much, but he is so happy and smiley and inspires us all so much.

“He is learning to walk with special sticks at the moment and has regular treatment on his legs and back.

“He will think it’s very funny to see his auntie in running gear, but I will be running this race as well as I can, because I’m doing it for him.”

She will be cheered on by husband Russell, 53, daughter Tanisha and stepson Zac, 15.

The five-mile run, in its ninth year, takes place on Sunday, March 20, and is expected to attract 1,000 fundraisers.

Last year 750 runners raised a total of £57,000.

Eleri Adams, clinical lead for neonatology at the JR, said of the cooling system: “To be able to buy this equipment is fantastic.”

She said recent clinical trials had shown the machines reduced the risk of babies who were starved of oxygen at birth developing cerebral palsy.

She added: “For the child and their family this is simply life-changing.”

The equipment is used for about 60 babies a year who are at risk of developing cerebral palsy. About eight will show no signs of the conditions as a result.

Ms Adams added: “The medical team would like to thank every one of last year’s OX5 runners for their generosity, and encourage others to take part in this year’s event so that we can continue to make such incredible advances that help our young patients.”