THE race is on to raise record-breaking sums to buy new machinery and equipment for patients at Oxford Children’s Hospital.

With just 10 days to go until the Headington hospital’s biggest annual fundraiser – the OX5 Run – people are being urged to raise as much sponsorship money as possible.

Last year’s five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock raised a record £98,000 for the children’s hospital.

Organisers this year are hoping to top £100,000.

A total of 959 runners crossed the finish line this year, but more than 1,200 people have so far signed up for this year’s run on Sunday, March 30.

Children’s hospital spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “With the numbers so good for this year we are really hoping that we will crack the £100,000 mark and make an even bigger difference for the thousands of children treated at the hospital every year.

“If you know someone who is running please do sponsor them. They will have been training through one of the wettest winters we’ve ever seen, so surely deserve your support.

“To all our runners, thank you so much for signing up, the response has been incredible.

“But please don’t forget to tell all your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues that you are taking part and send out your sponsorship link – let’s make every mile really count.

“No one knows when their child or grandchild might need the care and skills of staff at Oxford Children’s Hospital and this event makes such a difference to our young patients and their families.”

Money from the run last year bought equipment including two open incubators for babies in paediatric intensive care and an ultrasound machine for minimally invasive surgery on children.

The children’s hospital opened in 2007 and is part of the West Wing building at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The run, which starts at 10.30am, costs £10 to enter and runners are asked to aim to raise a minimum of £100.

Because of the number of people already signed up this year there will be no on-the-day registration.

People are being asked to arrive in plenty of time. A warm-up will take place from 10am.

To enter