WHEN it comes to raising as much money as possible for the Oxford Children’s Hospital, this team of runners is just what the doctor ordered.

The 12-strong line-up from Doctors.net.uk are running the OX5 for the second year, and aim to beat their sponsorship total last year of £1,100.

Doctors.net.uk, based in Milton Park, near Didcot, is the largest online network of UK doctors. The site provides members with medical textbooks and news and a discussion forum.

Medical director Dr Tim Ringrose, 45, is putting the OX5 team together.

He said: “The run is a real opportunity for the company to do something worthwhile as a team.

“Virtually all the sponsorship we raised last year came from our staff and our close families.”

The ninth OX5 Run will take place at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, on Sunday, March 20, and organisers are hoping to break all previous records.

Last April, more than 850 runners completed the run and raised £57,000 for the hospital charity. Equipment purchased included a cooling system used to help children at risk of cerebral palsy.

Kate and Rob Allen are the husband and wife team behind Oxford recruitment agency Allen Associates, which is sponsoring the event again this year.

Mrs Allen said: “Sponsoring the charity run enables us, our clients and candidates to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital campaign in a way that fosters teamwork and boosts morale.

“We had so much positive feedback last year that we wanted to support it again and beat the fundraising target.

“It’s a great way to make a contribution to an organisation which has such an important role our community.”

The Oxford Children’s Hospital was built in 2006 at the John Radcliffe Hospital site, following a major community fundraising effort.

To get involved, visit www.oxfordmail. co.uk/news/ox5run or call 01865 743428.