A BOROUGH youngster, her school friends, and her class teacher have been running to raise money to buy toys for children in hospital.
Isabella, nine, knows first hand what it is like to be a patient at the Children’s Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
While she was recovering there she benefited from time with a play therapist, and enjoyed the toys that were available.
Last year she and her family held a fun day at Emmbrook Football Club to raise money for the hospital, and were able to buy items on the play therapist’s wish list.
“With the money raised this year from running, Isabella hopes to be able to do the same thing again,” said her mum, Debbie.
“She loved the run, despite feeling very nervous beforehand.
“Her two older brothers ran with her, and stayed close beside her, and she once she started, she just loved it.”
Isabella, her brothers, and some of her school friends took part the Green Park Challenge 3k mini marathon.
Her teacher at Emmbrook Junior School, Andrew Butler-Willis, ran in the Reading Half Marathon.
“Mr Butler-Willis has been so supportive of Isabella.
“He has been her class teacher for two years now, and really understood what she went through when she had her operation last year.
“He came to cheer his pupils on at the Green Park Challenge, as well as running his own race.
“It means a lot, and he has been amazing.
“And it’s so lovely that Isabella’s classmates ran too.”
Through all the runners’ efforts, already more than £1,400 has been raised, which will be divided between the Oxford children’s ward and Emmbrook Junior School.
To support the fundraisers, people can visit: gofundme.com and search for John Radcliffe Childrens Ward.
