A MAN whose life was saved as a baby by Oxford Children’s Hospital is saying thank you by fundraising to help others like him

When George Curtis was born he had contracted sepsis, meningitis, was fitting and had heart murmurs. There was no guarantee he would survive.

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Despite his uncertain start to life the 23-year-old is now healthy and training to take on next month’s OX5 Run.

He said: “This is a charity close to my heart. I was born prematurely at just 28 weeks.

"I weighed 2.5lbs and if it weren’t for the amazing care provided by the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, I would not be here today.”

Oxford Mail:

George Curtis in Oxford Children's Hospital as a baby

Mr Curtis, who lives across the border in Berkshire, added: "It took me three or four months until I was out of hospital and doing better. It's incredible that there weren't any long term complications other than me being a little asthmatic."

He said his initial target was to reach £200 but had already raised more than £700 and was hoping to pass £1,000 by race day.

He said: "You take for granted being close to such a world-class hospital so this is my way of giving something back."

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Joe Baker, from Oxford Hospital Charity, said: “Hearing why George is taking part in the OX5 Run is so inspiring and the perfect example of what this event is all about - saying thank you to the amazing NHS teams that work at our hospital. Each year we hear from families, work colleagues and individuals who are walking, jogging or running the five mile route to say thank you for the care they or a loved one has received."

The Oxford Mail OX5 Run will, once again, take runners around a five-mile course at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, March 29.

Oxford Mail:

Fundraisers can walk, jog or run the event, sponsored by Allen Associates, all in aid of supporting Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Last year’s was one of the best ever for the OX5 with 1,100 runners raising £150,000 for the children’s hospital.

All money raised goes towards improving equipment and care at the Headington hospital, the children’s ward at the Horton General Hospital and the Paediatric Critical Care Unit.

Those who sign up by the end of today can take advantage of an early bird discount, which lowers the entry cost to £20.

After that it will cost £25 to sign up. Visit hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run.