THEY have been pushing each other for the last four months, but Alloa man Owen Johnstone and his carer have vowed to complete the Alloa Half Marathon, hand-in-hand.

The duo are preparing to tackle the distance this weekend, while raising money for causes dear to their own hearts.

Owen is running for Autism Scotland – a move inspired after seeing how the charity works with his nephew in Alloa.

He has already raised around £180 by walking around the town with a donation tin, asking members of the public to donate.

His carer Dionne Milne has pledged to raise money for Epilepsy Scotland to honour her brother who recently passed away.

She has set up a Just Giving page and has managed to amass more than £300 so far.

Dionne said: "We saw the event last year and Owen said he really wanted to try it. Every since it's pretty much been all systems go.

"It's going to be a bit of a run and a walk. He has ran an event like this in past – a long time ago – so it's going to be the biggest physical challenge for him in years.

"He's always out walking though – he can walk for miles and miles. I don't know how he manages it. He's like a race horse.

"And he's really enjoying having something to focus on and look forward to.

"Everyone has been getting behind him; he's the one keeping me going now."

She added: "We started as a team, and we'll finish as a team – even if he needs to carry me."

Dionne and Owen have been out walking, jogging and swimming in a big to boost their fitness ahead of the race.

Owen said: "I'm feeling really good; I'm excited to do it.

"She's helping me and we're a good team.

"I'm raising money for my sister's boy Rhys. He's got autism and can't speak. He goes to the New Struan school."

The duo will just two of thousands taking to the streets of Clacks this weekend in a big to tackle a major challenge and raise funds for a range of needy causes.

To donate to Dionne's fundraising page, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Dionne-Milne