10-year-old's 12-mile challenge inspired by sister's care at OUH

The family of six-year-old Ruby Robinson have thanked teams across Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) for the compassionate care and support they have received since Ruby was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) two years ago.

Ruby was four when she was diagnosed with JIA, an experience her family say turned their world upside down.

Her care began at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where she had inpatient stays and received treatment to help bring her inflammation under control. Since then, Ruby has received ongoing care from the Paediatric Rheumatology team at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC).

Ruby's care now involves a range of teams and services, including hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, regular eye screening, play specialists and specialist nurses, supporting her physical as well as emotional wellbeing. She also attends the Horton General Hospital in Banbury for routine blood tests.

Reflecting on Ruby's experience, the Robinson family said: "The joined-up care across the JR, NOC and Horton has been exceptional. Every team member, from consultants to play specialists, has provided continuous, compassionate support for our entire family."

Her family especially praised the team at the Horton for helping Ruby cope with the nerves and anxiety that can come with regular needles and blood tests.

The care Ruby has received has also had a lasting impact on her big brother, Harper.

Having watched his little sister navigate appointments and treatment over the past two years, the 10-year-old decided he wanted to do something special to support her and raise awareness that arthritis can affect children too.

On Saturday 7 November 2026, Harper completed a 12-mile charity walk from the NOC in Oxford to the family's home in Bicester, walking around 44,000 steps and raising around £5,000 for the Children's Chronic Arthritis Association (CCAA).

Starting at the NOC held particular significance for the family. It was a place they had come to know through Ruby's treatment, and became the starting point for a positive challenge inspired by her experience.

The challenge was a significant achievement for Harper, who has dyspraxia and ADHD. Dyspraxia affects his balance, spatial awareness and motor coordination, making the 12-mile walk an additional test of endurance and focus.

On completing the challenge, Harper said: "Ruby has to be so brave each week with her injections and when she gets her blood tests and treatments, so I wanted to do something brave for her. Walking 12 miles was really hard at times, but I'm so proud to have completed this for her and all the other children with JIA."

Ruby joined her brother for the first mile, while members of the paediatric rheumatology nursing team who care for her also joined the family at the start of the walk.

She said: "Harper is the best big brother ever! It was fun starting and ending the walk with Harper and Percy Penguin!"

The Robinson family added: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has cared for and supported Ruby. Their care and the support by CCAA inspired Harper to step up for his sister and take on this challenge."

Find out more about Harper's challenge and support his fundraising on his JustGiving page.