Running 10km to take part in the Oxford Town and Gown is more than enough of a challenge for most people.

But Bernard Finerty, pictured, and his team of merry chimney sweeps – Team Dick Van Bike – are going one better.

Before the race on May 13, Mr Finerty, 52, and a team of cyclists will be getting up at dawn to cycle the 75km from London to Oxford, before pulling on their running shoes to complete the course – all dressed as chimney sweeps or Mary Poppins.

He is hoping that the group of 12, some of whom are just running or just cycling, will raise around £400 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Mr Finerty, whose daughter Katherine is a student at Hertford College, Oxford, is inspired by his cousin’s son, Thomas Kelly, nine, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He said: “He’s a lovely, lovely kid and it’s a smashing family but he has a really horrible disease. To have a child so unwell is every parent’s nightmare.”

This year is the 31st Town and Gown, and it is hoped 3,500 runners will take part, with a £120,000 fundraising target.

To find out more visit muscular-dystrophy.org or call 020 78034820.