CAPED crusaders took on a mammoth challenge on Saturday to raise money for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Didcot-based fundraising organisation, Play2Give, held its first big challenge of the year by walking around 24 miles dressed as superheroes from Didcot to the Children's Hospital at the John Radcliffe.

They set off just after 8.30am from Didcot Football Club armed with buckets for donations, before heading through towns and villages before finally getting to Oxford and arriving at the hospital by around 8pm.

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The group were also formed of The Superheroes, who were originally members of the Didcot Thong Rangers - another fundraising group - who joined forces with Play2Give earlier this year and have so far helped Mr Baker raise funds with events in Didcot.

Play2Give was set-up by Andrew Baker, 31, from Didcot, who fought for his life in the Special Care Baby Unit at the John Radcliffe and again when he was 12 after brain surgery.

Despite feeling the aches from the walk, he is well pleased with the support the team received all day from passers by.

He said: "We're all feeling very tired now but we had absolutely amazing support from people along the way. As we walked, people were curious about what we were doing and drivers tooted at us and even pulled over to give us change.

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"By the time we got to Oxford and Headington Hill we were struggling but we managed to get through it.

"When we arrived at the Children's Hospital, I got quite emotional as it is close to home for me. We all felt elated and proud of ourselves for completing the challenge."

The group are still counting the money that was donated and Mr Baker was surprised at the generosity of the public as one man donated a £100 cheque and said he will continue to donate every month.

Play2Give will soon launch its Christmas appeal.