A LITTLE boy who lost his 'hero daddy' just two months ago has taken part in a race to raise money for a Poole hospice.

Kaden Dugmore, who lives in Poole, took part in the 1.5km distance at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival after the death of his dad Karl.

Mr Dugmore was just 39 when he died in August this year.

Kaden, eight, ran the race to raise funds for the Forest Holme Hospice. He sacrificed his playtime to train and took part in Sunday park runs with his Uncle Bodge.

And thanks to his efforts, he's been able to give the hospice £1,700.

“I ran the junior 1.5km in memory of my daddy, who was my hero," he said.

"Lots of his friends called him 'legend'.

"Daddy loved to run whenever he could squeeze in the time from taking care of me.

"I know I will make him very proud.

"This is my first challenge and I hope there will be more.”

Paul Tucker, fundraising manager at Forest Holme, said, “Kaden is a very special little boy and we are all so touched by what he has done and absolutely overwhelmed with the amount he has raised.

"His dad was clearly loved by many.”

Forest Holme Hospice provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and Isle of Purbeck.

Kaden’s mum Kimmie said she's "very grateful" for the care Mr Dugmore received.

"We would like to thank all of the staff at Forest Holme Hospice for the love, care and respect that they gave to Karl and our family while we were there," she said.

"The dedication and support that they provide to your patients – there are no words to explain.

"We were truly touched and so appreciative of everything they did for us."