A LARGER-than-life Oxford United fan has taken up a challenge thrown down by the club's players to tackle one of the UK's biggest killers.

Ryan Wells, nicknamed Roley, will take part in the first Oxford Run for Moore to help fight bowel cancer - an event backed by Darren Patterson and his squad.

Organised by the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, the 5km men-only run takes place at Oxford's University Parks on Sunday, June 8.

It is hoped it will raise more than £63,000 to help fund research into the disease which claimed the life of the 1966 World Cup-winning captain and former Oxford City manager in 1993 at the age of just 51.

Mr Wells, 25, from Berinsfield, who did not miss a single United game at home or away between 2002 and 2007, said he was looking forward to the event.

He said: "I saw that the players had given it their support, so me and my mates said we would give it a try.

"I am going to walk it, rather than run, but we're all going to do our bit - and we will be going on bike rides to get a bit fitter.

"I'm on a diet so hopefully this will help me, and I'm joining a gym.

"I don't drink so I won't have to give up going to the pub before matches."

A well-known face on the terraces, Mr Wells has already managed to drum up sponsorship from fellow fans.

He said: "First of all I said I would raise £100 but I have had a lot of support, and now I want to make it £1,000.

"It just struck me as a really good cause. I have never done anything like this before."

Mr Wells will be joined in the race by friends, and Oxford United fans, Steve Reason and Peter Smith. The trio will all be competing in their replica kits.

Steve, 17, from Banbury, said: "I've never done anything like this for charity and I thought it was a good cause.

"I started jogging this week and I'm hopefully going to be doing a bit of jogging everyday.

"I will probably start off running, but I might end up walking towards the end."

Lending his support to the campaign, Oxford United manager Darren Patterson said: "Bowel cancer is something which touches so many people and if we can help raise awareness then we're more than happy to play our part.

"Bobby Moore was a football icon.

"He played a part in sport in Oxford as manager at Oxford City, and the lads are pleased to help."

The squad wore Run for Moore T-shirts during their warm-up before Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Northwich Victoria.

The event's organisers hope football fans from across Oxford will join forces to compete against men from five other English towns and cities - London, Bristol, Hull, Ipswich and Manchester.

The town or city that finishes the course in the fastest time, and raises the most sponsorship money, will be crowned champions of the Run for Moore League.

All Run For Moore participants receive a limited-edition number '6' Bobby Moore T-shirt in return for their £15 entry fee.

Anyone interested in taking part in the event is urged to sign up as soon as possible.