EVE Hanlon was once a regular visitor at Oxford Children’s Hospital when her daughter Martha battled leukaemia.

The five-year-old’s treatment finished in June last year, her leukaemia is now in remission, and she is having a great time at her new school.

Her mum has once again signed up for the Oxford Mail OX5 Run to raise money for the hospital which provided the family with such valuable support.

Mrs Hanlon said: “Martha has been going from strength to strength.

“At her most recent check-up the doctor said she was full of energy and we talked about moving to three-monthly check-ups.

“She started school in September and she’s really happy – she has made some lovely friends and it’s wonderful to see her with them.”

The 33-year-old from Headington added: “I remember when she was diagnosed thinking it would all be over by the time she started school – but it seemed a lifetime away.

“It has been a really long arduous journey but now that she has started school it feels amazing.”

The youngster was diagnosed with leukaemia after falling ill with flu-like symptoms in April 2013.

Along with her husband Andrew, Mrs Hanlon visited Kamran’s Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital at least once a week, sometimes every other day for the best part of a year.

Martha will still visit the hospital once every few months for the next five years for check-ups.

Mrs Hanlon said: “Even though Martha’s treatment has finished we still get an excellent level of care and support.

“We still feel a part of the hospital and on the day of the run it’s a chance to say thank you.”

Some of the money raised from the OX5 Run buys toys and games for children who spend time in the hospital.

The Henry Box School teacher said this particular provision was vital for Martha.

She said: “Having a well-stocked playroom for example just made things much easier.

“She missed out on going to nursery for about nine months but the playroom at the hospital became her nursery.

“We were really worried Martha might fall behind but she could interact with other children her age in a vibrant and positive atmosphere.”

The pair will be joined by the rest of Team Martha in taking on the five-mile run again this year and Mrs Hanlon encouraged others to set up teams.

She said: “It’s a great opportunity for friends and family to get involved too.

“Sometimes people are not sure how they can contribute to our journey but this is something important to us they can help with.”

She added: “I would urge others who maybe don’t have a personal link with the hospital to also run.

“I felt a huge sense of achievement when I completed it.”

The OX5 Run is being sponsored by recruitment firm Allen Associates for the eighth year.

Last year’s event raised £106,000 for the hospital and the run, now in its 14th year, has chalked up more than £850,000.

The money is used to fund medical equipment and other aspects of children’s care, such as play specialists, nurses and toys and games.

Last month Mrs Hanlon and Martha were guests at a party at Number 11 Downing Street for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

You can sign up online by going to hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run.