A TEAM of parents and teachers are taking on the OX5 Run inspired by one youngster’s battle with Leukaemia.

Olly Isley from Leafield near Witney was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in October 2017.

The Year 3 pupil at Leafield Primary School continues to plough on at school despite regular chemotherapy.

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Headteacher Christian McGuinness said: “Olly is just doing so well, and is always so positive.

“He goes out for his treatment and comes back to school - he is just such a strong character.

“His resilience is such a great example of getting on with life.”

The school will take on the Oxford Mail OX5 Run for the second year inspired by Olly.

Mr McGuinness added: “When Olly was diagnosed, as a small village school which is very family orientated, it hit everyone very hard.

Oxford Mail:

“There was a very clear sense of wanting to do something to support the family, but at the time obviously it was very raw.”

About seven staff members took on the five-mile fundraiser at Blenheim Palace in honour of the youngster to help raise funds for Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity last year.

This time they already have a team of 17 members of staff and parents including Olly’s mum and dad Sarah and Tony taking on the challenge.

Mr McGuinness, who recently broke his finger during training for the OX5, said: “We wanted to carry on that momentum from last year.

“I think everyone really enjoyed it [OX5], some of us had a quietly competitive challenge of who was going to win and some people did a combination of jogging and walking so it was a nice mix.

“It is the same approach this year, a real team effort.”

Last year the school team raised £1,500 to support Oxford Children’s Hospital, and this year the target has been upped to £2,500.

The race, sponsored by Allen Associates, is now in its 17th year and will once again take to Blenheim Palace grounds on Sunday, March 24.

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Just last week the sign ups surpassed the 1,000 entries mark and organisers are hoping this continues to rise to make it a bumper year for the OX5.

The event raises funds for the Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity and helps provide funds for vital monitoring equipment and support.

More than £1 million has been raised in the event's history for the charity.

Mr McGuinness said: “ I would urge anyone to take part in the OX5 Run whether they are runners or walkers, or a combination of both.

“It can be tackled however you like and it really is an all inclusive feel-good event.”

People can still sign up for the event at ox5run.co.uk or to donate justgiving.com/fundraising/LeafieldCEPrimary