NICOLA GOMM had more reason than most to be fast as she finished the first woman across the line at yesterday’s OX5 Run.

As soon as she had completed the event, she hot-footed it to Oxford Children’s Hospital to visit her 12-year-old son Wilfred.

Ms Gomm, 48, a member of Witney Road Runners, originally signed up for the race at Blenheim Palace to raise money for the children’s hospital because older son Henry, 18, had a heart operation at the hospital three years ago.

But just three days before yesterday’s five-mile run, Wilfred was rushed to hospital, with septic arthritis in his elbow.

Mum-of-four Ms Gomm said after finishing in 34 min 2 sec: “I owe the hospital a lot. They have definitely helped us.”

Wilfred has had his elbow drained of fluid – which built up as a result of the infection – and is recovering in hospital.

Organisers are hoping to have raised £65,000 for the children’s hospital.

Fundraiser Penny Hambridge said 1,000 runners took part in the event, which is backed by the Oxford Mail.

She added: “I’d like to say a big thank-you to everybody who helped organise it and pulled together to make it a perfect day and raise lots of money for children.”

Oxford Mail newspaper sales manager Margaret Marsh said: “It’s been a record number of entries and we are delighted once again the public have brilliantly supported the hospital.”

Zumba instructor George Martini led the warm-up before the race, which was started by singer Jason Donovan.

The former pop star said: “It doesn’t matter if you are running or walking, whatever you are doing, as long as it makes some money for the hospital.”

Mums Julie Millard and Paula Thomas, from Yarnton, ran with the Saxon Warriors Running for Harry and Harriet.

Harry Millard-Green and Harriet Thomas are in the same class at William Fletcher Primary School in the village and both regularly stay at the children’s hospital.

Harry, 10, suffers from severe asthma and is anaphylactic, while Harriet, 10, suffers from congenital melanocytic nevus – a large birthmark.

She has had more than 30 operations to try to remove it.

Miss Millard, 45, said: “Harry has just come out from a three-day stint there after a severe asthma attack. All the staff are so friendly and they make Harry so welcome, he is part of the furniture.”

Mrs Thomas, 40, added: “The staff have been brilliant and the hospital is amazing.”

Nicola Hilton, 41, from Oxford, ran for her eight-year-old son Erik, who has a rare genetic disorder Kabuki Syndrome.

She said: “The new children’s hospital is much better and when we go he actually enjoys it.”

First across the finish line was firefighter Gary Crone, who was running with the Oxfordshire fire and rescue team. His time was 29 min and 25 seconds.

The 39-year-old, from Kidlington, said: “It’s a great event – it gets better and better every year.”