A SIX-year-old is running a muddy obstacle course with his dog to raise money for a Dorset charity.

Finley Kennedy from Poole has already raised hundreds of pounds for Lewis-Manning Hospice charity and hopes he can continue to support them.

Finley’s mum, Chloe Kennedy, said: “I am so proud of him, considering he is so little.

“He’s been really determined to raise as much money as possible for the charity.”

Finley will be running at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Muddy Dog Dash, which will take place on Sunday, March 17, at Upton Country Park.

The charity encourages dog owners to get involved in what promises to be a ‘brilliantly fun and muddy event.’

Finley will be running 2.5km with his mum and his family dog, Hugo, who is a Boston Terrier.

Chloe said: “It is going to be hilarious; Hugo doesn’t like mud and running, so it will be quite funny.”

The Muddy Dog Dash is helping to raise funds for terminally ill people and support them with therapy dogs.

When Finley was asked why he was raising money for the charity, he said: “I want to make sure everyone can have their own Hugo.”

Finley and his family set up a JustGiving page, which has already raised £730 for the charity.

His mum said Finley read a book by Julia Donovan, the author of The Gruffalo. The book was called The Hospital Dog and was inspired him to help people get therapy dogs.

Finley is described as ‘a typical six-year-old, really active and cheeky.’

Chloe said: “He is so caring and kind-natured, which is why he is doing this for charity.”

Director of fundraising Tom Goodinge said: "We are so grateful and appreciative of Finley's support and commitment to Lewis-Manning. We can't wait to meet him and Hugo on Sunday at the Muddy Dog Dash and wish them both a fantastic and gloriously muddy run!"

Money raised will go towards supporting patients and their families facing a life limiting illness across east Dorset and Purbeck.

To donate to Finley’s page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/finleyhugodash.