VETERAN fundraiser Phillip Grant has tackled Oxford Town and Gown 22 times before, but he will pull on his running shoes once more to raise money for charity.

The 53-year-old has become 'a bit of a character' to spot at the event in his costumes such as Wonder Women and Snow White amid the thousands of runners who flood the city streets each year.

Mr Grant runs the 10K in costume each year in a bid to raise as much money and awareness as possible for the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK (MD UK) which hosts the event.

He has raised more than £10,000 so far.

The Chipping Norton dad has supported the charity since his son Chris, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD), was four years old.

The 28-year-old was born with the genetic condition, which gradually causes the muscles to weaken.

Now he is in a wheelchair and requires equipment and full-time support from his mother, Debbie, 48.

Mr Grant said: "My son suffers from MD and I just want to help raise money and help raise awareness.

"I collect for charity but I also have the experience and understanding of the disease."

Mr Grant, who works at manufacturers of assisted bathing, hoisting and changing equipment Aston-Bannerman, is keeping this year's costume ideas closely under wraps.

But he will once again join thousands of people for the Oxford Town and Gown on Sunday, May 14, in a bid to help smash the £2m funding mark for MD UK.

It will be the 36th Oxford Town and Gown race to be held in the city and it starts and finishes in University Parks.

Mr Grant said: "My first Oxford Town and Gown felt very long, I didn't realise how long six miles would be.

"I didn't raise too much money the first and second year so the third year I decided to run in a costume and I raised a lot more.

"Since then I believe I have become a bit of character and people high five me and cheer me on."

"Anything to raise a laugh and raise more money and awareness, you can't miss me. In field of gazelle, I am the rhino in a tutu."

Last year's event raised £135,000 for MDUK with about 4,000 runners taking part, but organisers hope to top that this year.

Mr Grant said: "It is the people that make it, there are so many people that come out to help raise money for the charity, the people on the sides helping cheer you on.

"If you can't do the race itself then help control the race or with a water station, you can still be part of it.

"When there is that many people all coming together for one single cause you can't beat it."

Anyone who wants to sign up or help out in other ways should visit townandgown10k.com/oxford/