A mother and her son are lacing up their running shoes for a five-mile event to raise money for the hospital unit that transformed their family’s world.

Alison and George Gregory, who live in Didcot, have signed up for this year’s OX5 RUN at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, March 22, raising funds for the Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The challenge carries special meaning for them after George, now 16, spent 15 weeks being treated at Oxford Children’s Hospital when a basketball mishap in November 2024 caused his pancreas to rupture.

Alison Gregory said the day her son was admitted marked an instant and complete shift in their family circumstances.

She pointed out that nobody could have foreseen what would unfold and the extent to which it would affect not just George but every member of their household.

She added that the family directly received help from the support initiatives the charity provides, and participating felt like a meaningful way to give something back.

Following urgent care at Abingdon Accident and Emergency, George was moved to Oxford Children’s Hospital before being directed to specialist doctors at the Churchill Hospital because of how complicated his condition was.

During the extended hospital admission, Ms Gregory spotted promotional material for the OX5 RUN, a five-mile fundraising event staged to benefit Oxford Children’s Hospital, and elected to get involved.

She noted she had known about the OX5 RUN from competing in it more than a decade earlier, but only during their prolonged stay did she fully understand what a vital role the event plays in enabling the charity’s work with patients and medical staff.

The Gregory family regularly made use of the amenities financed by Oxford Hospitals Charity.

She explained they spent considerable time in the family lounge on Mel’s Ward, which the charity assists, and enjoyed visiting the Charity Hub to catch up with Jamie and the crew there, which helped establish some sense of everyday life during a highly uncertain period.

George was released from hospital last March and has since resumed playing basketball for his National League team.

This time around, his health has improved enough for him to accompany his mother on the run.

He said he would not be where he is now, enjoying the freedom to live his life as he does, without the help of all those who contributed to his recovery.

People can still join the event and help collect donations for Oxford Children’s Hospital and the young patients who motivate the fundraiser annually.

Registration is available at www.ox5run.com.