Workers at an Oxford building company are limbering up to take on the OX5 course later this month as part of a campaign to raise £55,000 for the Oxford Children's Hospital Appeal.

Johnson's Buildbase plumbing and heating manager David Bryan, sales office manager Dave Allen, company rep Nigel Smorffitt and regional director Dave Robertson will be swapping their suits and overalls for trainers and shorts on Sunday, March 25.

Unfortunately, one member of the team had to drop out, but Mr Robertson said he was still hopeful those taking part could give a good account of themselves.

He said: "The guys are all quite young and fit and are all pleased to be doing their bit for the charity."

The OX5 is the latest in a series of events the company is taking part in to raise £55,000 to pay for a new waiting room at the hospital. A total of £15,000 has so far been raised and other fundraising events have included a parachute jump and a 55km walk in a day.

If you want to join this year's run, simply fill out the form below.

q=cphil.vinter@nqo.com The aim is to raise the remaining £40,000 by the end of the year. Mr Robertson said it was not difficult to find motivation for the event.

He said: "When you spend two minutes inside a children's ward of a hospital you will sign up for anything.

"I went to hospital and met the people involved and that was enough to make me want to do what I could to help.

"I challenge anyone not to be touched after walking into a children's hospital ward. If they are not, then there is something wrong with them. I have got three children and luckily I have never had to use the hospital, but it is so nice to know it is there."

Mr Robertson said he hoped the walk would boost funds for the waiting room to the tune of several thousand pounds.

Anybody interested in taking part in the event is asked to fill in an application form as soon as possible in return for a sponsorship pack, which will include a special Oxford Mail and Oxford Times wristband.

Those who raise £100 in sponsorship will earn a limited edition CHOX T-shirt, those who raise £200 will be rewarded with a limited edition CHOX sweatshirt and those who manage to break the £300 barrier will receive a limited edition CHOX hoody style top.

The closing date for entries is Saturday, March 10.