CARER Steve Couchman is planning to be a knight in shining armour for sick children across Oxfordshire.

Mr Couchman, 36, of Morton Avenue, Kidlington, will wear a suit of armour for the OX5 Run in aid of Oxford Children’s Hospital on Sunday, April 18.

A member of historical re-enactment society The Fellowship of the Ox, Mr Couchman has had plenty of practice wearing the suit of steel.

The bachelor, a full-time carer for his sick mother, estimates the metal plates weigh a total of 12 stone, and he has never completed such a distance in the medieval costume before.

He said: “I will be jogging and walking around Blenheim Palace, rather than running.

“I’m hoping to complete the course in under an hour-and-a-half but I can’t guarantee it.

“I’ll be very hot because I have to have a wool jacket underneath, and a surcoat over the top showing the knight’s heraldic background. It usually takes me about half an hour to put on all the different bits.”

Mr Couchman, whose uncle Michael Carroll died from cancer last year aged 61, said: “I really wanted to do something to pay tribute to him, and his widow suggested that I do the OX5 Run.

“Raising money for sick children is a fantastic cause and I’ve heard that the children’s hospital is a great facility.

“I’d like to raise a few hundred pounds for new toys or equipment.”

Kate Shew, a fellow member of the re-enactment society, was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 but is now recovering, and will be joining Mr Couchman in medieval dress on the day of the race.

Singer Jason Donovan is starting this year’s run and organisers are hoping 1,000 runners will help raise an estimated £65,000.

Sarah Vaccari, a spokesman for Oxford Children’s Hospital, said: “It’s the first time we have ever had someone dress up in shining armour to do the OX5 Run.

“It should bring a smile to the faces of runners.

“Steve will be carrying quite a lot of weight so he might not be able to go that fast – but I’m sure runners will encourage him every step of the way.

“With a month to go we have over 400 runners, but would love to top the 1,000 mark — so now is the time to sign up.”

Mr Couchman has set up a donation page through the website Virgin Money.