A MUM who signed up for the OX5 Run after seeing a leaflet while her four-year-old son was receiving treatment for a rare form of cancer has encouraged others to take part in the ‘special’ race.

Claire Boulter’s son Sebastian started undergoing chemotherapy at Oxford Children’s Hospital in March after the youngster was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

Determined for ‘something positive’ to come out of his diagnosis, when she spotted the Oxford Mail OX5 Run notice she decided to take on the annual hospital fundraiser, despite it only being a few weeks away.

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From an initial goal of ‘a few hundred pounds’ the mum-of-two went on to raise more than £9,200 by running the five-mile race, which goes through the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

The 35-year-old, who lives in Hertfordshire with husband James, 41, Seb and his two-year-old sister Beatrice, said: “It’s been a whirlwind for us all since Seb was diagnosed.

"It’s something you never think will happen to you. Everything had been taken out of our control and this run was something I could do.”

She added: “It was a beautiful course and the atmosphere was special knowing everyone was there for the same reason.”

The mammoth amount raised also saw her take the trophy for the top fundraiser of 2019.

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She said: “It was amazing, especially for Seb as it was something tangible. We’d explained I was running to help the hospital and children like him but a shiny silver trophy is a lot easier for him to understand.”

Called ‘Super Sebby’ by his family due to his bravery in dealing with the chemotherapy, which started on his fourth birthday, he will continue visiting the Oxford hospital until 2022.

Other fundraising efforts by loved ones include a winter walk and open water swim, both for charity CLIC Sargent.

Joe Baker, from Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are so thrilled to present Claire with our Fundraising Cup in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital. Her determination and passion to say thank you to the hospital teams that cared for Seb in such difficult circumstances is simply inspiring.

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"We all know someone whose children have been treated at the Oxford Children’s Hospital and now is the time to lace up your trainers and run, walk or jog five miles around Blenheim Palace to help our young patients and their families.”

Last year’s was one of the best ever for the OX5, which is sponsored by Allen Associates, with 1,100 runners, including Mrs Boulter, raising £150,000 for the children’s hospital.

All money raised goes towards improving equipment and care at the Headington hospital, the children’s ward at the Horton General Hospital and the Paediatric Critical Care Unit.

Entry costs £20 for those who sign up as part of the early bird special. Visit hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run.