AN ENTIRE school ran its own version of the OX5 Run and raised thousands in support of six-year-old Anna Drysdale after she won her battle with cancer.

More than 200 pupils, along with teachers and staff at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Chipping Norton, ‘inspired’ by the Drysdale family, hosted their own event in aid of Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Anna was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February and spent most of the year at the hospital undergoing chemotherapy.

In May she had a major operation which saw a bone in her leg reconstructed to give her a new upper arm and shoulder and in January this year she was given the all-clear.

After yesterday’s race, which raised more than £1,600, Anna said: “It was really fun to see all my school friends, teachers and staff running with their silly wigs and funny hair.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the whole school for supporting our family and the Oxford Children’s Hospital – you are all amazing.”

Her dad Ian, 45, completed both the 'real' OX5 Run and the one-mile school run and thanked the entire school for showing their support.

He said: “Not all of the teachers and pupils could go to the OX5 Run so the school organised this instead.

“It was really nice to see the whole school to support the family and the hospital - we are so grateful.”

Mum, Keeley, said: “Chipping Norton as a community has been so supportive throughout Anna’s time in hospital and to end it in such a fun way is just amazing.

“Anna and I haven’t been around much for the past year but to know that her sister Ellen, who is also at the school, has been so well cared for by everyone at the school is really special.”

Teaching assistant, Katie Hickman, who looks after Anna’s class, said: “It was absolutely amazing to be able to do something to help the charity and support Anna and her family.

“The school wanted to do it because the children couldn’t take part in the OX5 Run – so we did a one-mile run around the school grounds instead.

“The children all came to school in sporting gear and crazy hair and they loved it.

The 26-year-old said the whole community had been inspired by the Drysdale family.

She said: “It’s very important for the children and it brings us all together - Anna and her family have been an inspiration to all of us this year.”