Oxford Children's Hospital Charity is celebrating hitting £1.5 with its £2 million appeal.

The charity launched its 10^th Anniversary Appeal in January 2017, and since then thousands of people from across the region have been getting involved – running, abseiling, golfing, baking and making – in support of this very special hospital.

Children's Fundraiser, Penny Hambridge, said:

"We have been overwhelmed by the support from people across the county. We always knew Oxford Children's Hospital had a very special place in people's hearts, but we have been blown away with the tremendous support. We are delighted to have raised so much already and hope that people will continue to support this very special local cause."

Oxford Children's Hospital 10th Anniversary Appeal will help create more space for parents to stay close to their poorly children, as well as fund extra play areas and specialist medical equipment.

Fundraising for the appeal has been boosted by a series of events throughout the year including the annual Oxford Mail OX5RUN, an abseil down the side of the John Radcliffe Hospital, a golf day, dancing shows with Strictly Oxford and Strictly Banbury, Giffords Circus at Blenheim Palace, a cricket-themed evening with Sir Tim Rice and a black tie dinner at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, hosted by Raymond Blanc.

Many local companies have also been getting involved with the fundraising – including British Gas, Sainsbury's, JDD International, Cuban Eight, Allen Associates, Unipart, Mattel and Abbvie.

Parents and patients have been taking on all manner of challenges to help boost the fundraising total.

Lady Baldry, Chair of the 10th Anniversary of Oxford Children's Hospital Appeal, said:

"We are excited to have reached the amazing £1.5 million mark. It has been wonderful to see how hard so many people have worked to raise these funds, but there is still more to be done. Do have a think how you, your friends, workplace, school or club can get involved and help us raise the last half a million to make Oxford Children's Hospital an even better place for our young patients and their families. "