A scout group in Wyre Forest raised over a thousand pounds for charity during its annual running event last weekend. 

Bodenham Bound, which is a 10k and 5k run in its seventh year, saw 114 runners from clubs all over Worcestershire join the WF11 Harkaway Scouts at Bodenham Arboretum on Sunday, January 7. 

The multi-terrain running event, labelled as one of the most challenging trails in the area with mud and uphill climbs, was a huge success and helped secure £1500 in donations for the Kidderminster homeless charity HELP. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Jo Ridsdill Wardle and the HELP teamJo Ridsdill Wardle and the HELP team (Image: Colin Hill)

Scout leader Sandra Hill said: "The scout group rely on donations from residents, but this is the one event we organise each year to give back to the community. 

"We always pick a different charity for each event and this time we chose HELP as they are desperately in need of support for the vital work they do for the area including providing clothes and hot meals for vulnerable people.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Jonathan Packer who was first in the 10K in a time of 54.37Jonathan Packer who was first in the 10K in a time of 54.37 (Image: Colin Hill)

"The scouts and volunteers were so happy with the amount of money raised and the turnout was fantastic. It is all about helping others and the charity HELP really aligns with those values."

The Scouts first found out about HELP through knowing volunteer, Jo Ridsdill Wardle, and decided to raise money for the charity after having stalls next to one another at an event in St George's Park. 

The charity got chatting to the Chairman of Harkaway Scouts, Marcus Hill, with the group wanting to help an organisation right on the doorstep. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: There was a huge turnout for the event There was a huge turnout for the event (Image: Colin Hill)

Ms Hill added: "Jo is a saint and it has meant a lot to us to be able to give back to a charity that is right at the heart of the community. 

"We also want to thank all the volunteers and first aiders for their support and Bodenham Arboretum who allow us to use their land for free to host this event every year. 

"We really couldn't do this without them."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Andy Judd who finished first in the 5K in a time of 30.30Andy Judd who finished first in the 5K in a time of 30.30 (Image: Colin Hill)

The scouts have just set a date for next year's event which will be held on Sunday, January 5 2025. 

For more information visit www.bodenhambound.co.uk or follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bodenhambound/