A YOUNG teen was put through his paces as he raised money for two vital charities providing support to veterans, including his dad.

Owen Hutchinson, 13, took part in the Henstridge Airfield parkrun to raise funds for Bravehound, a charity which provides companion dogs to veterans suffering with PTSD, and the local Veteran's Hub Community Cafe which provides peer to peer support for ex-servicemen.

Owen lives with his mum Louise and dad Kevin in Toller Porcorum. Kevin was previously in the armed forces and recently received a dog from Bravehound - a lovely sprocker spaniel named Rip.

The companion dogs aren't trained, but Bravehound provides ongoing support for veterans to help to train and build up a relationship with their dog.

While undergoing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award at Beaminster School, Owen chose to challenge himself by doing the 5km parkrun for his physical challenge, whilst also raising money for charities which are helping veterans adjust to civilian life.

Owen often takes Rip for runs at Henstridge airfield and volunteers at the Veteran's Hub cafe on Saturday afternoons.

Talking about the parkrun, Owen said: "There were 163 participants who ran or walked the 5km. There were 34 first timers and 58 PB's including me.

"Unfortunate circumstances meant that we were late arriving to the airfield and we literally arrived as the run set off. I ran with my friends Aiden and Issy, my brother Adam, my mum and dad and of course Bravehound Rip.

"The course was nice today because it wasn't cold or raining - it was very muddy though and we had to give Rip a bath when we got home."

Owen said he felt proud as he crossed the line to a huge cheer, completing a personal best of 36 minutes and 10 seconds.

He added: "It is a lovely community at Henstridge, everyone is very friendly all the runners encourage each other. Next week is another special week as my brother and I will do our 10th parkrun."

A JustGiving page set up by Owen has raised £145 for Bravehound, and between the two charities he has managed to raise a total of around £250.

Louise said her family are "so lucky" to have Rip, as only 17 companion dogs have been provided for veterans by Bravehound so far.

Donate to Bravehound at justgiving.com/fundraising/owen-hutchinson and to The Veteran's Hub at gofundme.com/grckrt-the-veterans-hub-weymouth

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