A YORK fundraiser enjoyed the red carpet treatment at a major award ceremony this week.

Phil Wiggins, from Acomb, ran, swam and cycled more than 6,000 miles in the 12 months between his 40th and 41st birthday to raise money for The Alzheimer's Society.

He was named Fundraiser Of The Year at The Press' Community Pride Awards, and was nominated at the Daily Mirror's Pride Of Sport Awards, where he attended a star-studded ceremony in London with his wife Helena this week.

Phil said: "I didn’t win, but what an amazing night.

"We were picked up from our hotel and drop off at the end of the red carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, with flashes and clicking cameras on all sides. Although it was quite funny when Helena and I walked down the carpet they all started cleaning their lenses - clearly we don’t look like celebs."

Once inside, the pair met Olympic gold medallists and Premiership footballers, who were among the 300 guests, with a champagne reception and entertainment from impressionist Jon Culshaw.

Phil said: "My category was the Charity Challenge Award, for individuals who had pushed themselves beyond their own limits to raise money.

"The other finalists were James Bowtell, who had broken the world record for cycling across Europe in 35 days, and the winner was 13-year-old Natasha Lambert who, despite having cerebral palsy, who single-handed sailed around Britain’s coast line. Natasha got the only standing ovation of the night and is truly inspirational I have to say.

"Following the ceremony everyone knew who I was, and famous faces knew my name. As a result, been invited to be a leading figure for a charity ride next year, taking disabled children on converted bicycles around all the top English cricket grounds and finishing at the final Ashes match."

Phil said he was amazed by the night, and chatted with celebrities in the bar until the early hours.

He said: "I’ll never get to go to an event like that again, but I don’t think I’ll forget it quickly."