CELEBRITY chef Raymond Blanc will be putting some fire in the OX5 runners’ bellies this year – by acting as their official ‘starter’.

The famous chef has agreed to lend his services to the fundraiser by starting the five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace.

The ninth OX5 Run will take place at the Woodstock stately home 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. This year they are hoping 1,000 runners will turn out and beat that total.

M Blanc, who owns the two Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons restaurant in Great Milton, said: “I am thrilled to be able to support the Oxford Children’s Hospital at the OX5 Run.

“It’s a local charity that is close to so many people’s hearts and I know this five-mile event has raised huge sums of money in the past and provides a great focus for those who wish to give something back to their regional children’s hospital.”

Some 750 runners have already signed up for the race, and among those under starter’s orders will be a team of nurses from Tom’s ward at the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Staff nurses Lora Shorter, 24, Nicola Saunders, 27 and Amy Rowland, 25, work on Tom’s Ward, a general surgical ward for children from birth to 12 years.

Ms Shorter said: “We are doing it because we work with the direct effects of the money raised and the improvement to the children’s care, and we would like to help the hospital in a different way.

“The equipment bought from money raised makes a real improvement to the children and their families.

“It makes a hospital stay, which is a stressful time, a little bit easier. Even if you can only raise a small amount it will make a big difference.”

Online registration for the OX5 Run ends at midnight next Thursday, so enter now at oxfordmail.co.uk/ ox5run. Call 01865 743444 with any queries.

We would also like to hear from other people planning to take part in the run. Contact the newsdesk on 01865 425444.