YOUNG runner Josh Chown is using his fast feet to help the county’s cancer patients - and he’s signed his mum up too.

Josh, 12, from Moordown, is running in the 5k event of this year's Bournemouth Marathon Festival for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

The Winton Academy pupil is a regular at local park runs and also plays for Bournemouth Youth Poppies FC.

Josh said: “Dorset Cancer Care Foundation really helps families. They pay for people who have cancer to have holidays and to afford their bills when they are too ill to work.

“Some children we know whose mum died from cancer had a trip to Legoland paid for by DCCF.

“I love running and I’m going to try and raise as much money in sponsorship as I can for DCCF so they can keep on helping families.”

DCCF, based in Poole, was set up in 2013 and raises money to gives grants to help cancer sufferers facing financial difficulties.

The charity has also funded a chill-out room for teen cancer patients at Poole Hospital, as well as part of the new therapeutic garden at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Josh’s mum Alison Latta, also a keen runner, will be running alongside her son.

She said: "I’m really proud of Josh for doing this. He loves to run and we are really looking forward to taking part in the night time 5k, as we’ve heard there is a great atmosphere and lots of support along the way.”

The Bournemouth Marathon Festival is made up of six events - the marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k and two junior events of 2k and 1.5k - taking place over October 6 and 7, with various start places and times.

DCCF Chairman, Chris Thomas, said: "Josh and Ali are part of a fabulous bunch of people who will be running in the festival for DCCF this year and we are extremely grateful to them."