PROUD mum Angela wiped away the tears as she cheered on nine-year-old muscular dystrophy sufferer John Dickson in this year’s Town and Gown children’s race.

The youngster from Bledington, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is the first ever person to take part in the annual event in a powered wheelchair.

He raced in the children’s 3km event alongside his sister Hannah, 11, after taking delivery of the chair two weeks ago, while mum Angela and auntie Kelly Sambrook participated in the adults’ 10km race.

Mrs Dickson, 37, said: “Hannah was already running the children’s race and as soon as we realised he was going to get his chair in time, we all thought together John could do it too.”

John was cheered on by friends and family waving “Go, Johnny Go” signs and completed the route in just over 17 minutes.

His father Paul, 38, said: “We are very proud. His mum Angela was in tears as he set off. I was trying not to get emotional.”

John added: “It was brilliant.

“It was the first time I have been able to compete in an event, which I never thought I would be able to do.”

Almost 4,000 people ran through the streets of Oxford and past the dreaming spires yesterday to raise money for charity.

The Oxford Town and Gown saw runners dress in orange to race 10km through the streets for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Organisers said this year’s turnout was 20 per cent up on last year and they hope to “significantly exceed” the £100,000 raised in 2012.

The junior run, for those aged nine to 15, featured 140 youngsters this year – twice as many as last year.

The race was started for the second year by Muscular Dystrophy Campaign ambassador Christine Hamilton, the wife of former MP Neil Hamilton.

She said: “It is wonderful to be here again.

“It is uplifting to see so many people, especially in these difficult financial times, when charities are feeling the pinch, it is terrific even more people came out this year to help.”

David Mulvee completed the race first in just over 30 minutes while in the junior race – which saw 140 youngsters taking part – Harry Thomas finished the 3k route in just over 10 minutes.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Chris Christou, 45, from Hertfordshire, decided to take part in the race strapped standing to his wheelchair.

He said: “I could have done it sat down in my armchair, but I have a lot of lower limb pain so that is my challenge.

“Doing it sitting down seems boring.”

Race director David Basham said: “It is certainly the biggest and best event ever and the running conditions were ideal.

“We raised over £100,000 last year and we would like to think that is going to be significantly exceeded this year.”

Organisers suffered a technical hitch which meant runners were not able to see their results and where they had come at the end of the race.

Challenge events manager Toya Champ said: “Our supplier which manages the races chip timing was unable to provide the results to us in the timeframe agreed.

“We arranged for runners to be able to view results online by 3pm, and will ensure all category winners receive their trophies promptly.”

For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, visit muscular-dystrophy.org