Didcot mum and son doing OX5 RUN for Oxford hospital

Alison and George Gregory from Didcot are taking part in this year’s OX5 RUN at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, March 22, in support of the Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The race holds personal significance for the family after 16-year-old George spent 15 weeks at Oxford Children’s Hospital following a basketball accident in November 2024 that ruptured his pancreas.

Alison Gregory said: “The moment George was admitted to hospital, quite literally our lives changed overnight.

“I don’t think anyone could have predicted what was going to happen and how long and how deeply it would impact not only George, but the whole family.

“As a family, we directly benefited from the program of support that the charity offers, and this felt like a great way of showing our support.”

After emergency treatment at Abingdon Accident and Emergency, George was transferred to Oxford Children’s Hospital and later referred to a specialist team at the Churchill Hospital due to the complexity of his injuries.

During the long stay in hospital, Ms Gregory came across a poster for the OX5 RUN – a five-mile fun run held in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital – and decided to take part.

She said: “I knew about the OX5 RUN, having taken part over 10 years ago, but it was only during our lengthy hospital stay that I truly realised how this event plays such a part in what the charity is able to do for patients and staff.”

The family made frequent use of the facilities funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity.

Ms Gregory said: “We spent a lot of time in the family room on Mel’s Ward, which the charity supports, and we loved popping down to the Charity Hub to see Jamie and the team.

“It really helped us shape some normality in what is an extremely unpredictable time.”

George was discharged last March and has since returned to playing for his National League Basketball team.

This year, he is well enough to join his mum in the run.

He said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today with the freedom to live my life in the way I do, without the support of the many people who contributed to getting me better.”

There is still time to take part in the run and help raise funds for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and the young patients who inspire the event each year.

Entry is open at www.ox5run.com.