A fundraising campaign has been launched in a bid to raise awareness of substance misuse following the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy.

Popular Towers School pupil Owen Kinghorn was found dead in a field in Great Chart at about 9pm on September 7, prompting scores of tributes from his friends and family.

Now his mum Rachael has set up a JustGiving page in support of an anti-drugs charity in the hope some good can come from the tragedy.

She is raising money for the Kenward Trust’s Think Differently project, which sees the charity visit schools, educating young people on the effect substance misuse has on physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationships.

On the fundraising page, Rachael says: “Five boys went out for a night of fun, four returned home, what happened to the other one?

“This could be your daughter or son.

“Please support this charity in memory of our dearly loved and missed Owen.”

So far Rachael has collected more than £1,400 for the project, which sees former prisoners speaking to school pupils about their lives and jail experiences.

Owen’s grandad David told KentOnline: “We have become aware that Owen took something that night, which may be what killed him.

“Part of the reason we are supporting the Think Differently campaign is that the charity does this with schools and gets the message through to younger people.

“If this stops some kids who use drugs from taking them, if it saves one life, then that’s great.

“If if saves more than one person, then that’s even better.

“What we’ve been shocked to find is how easy it is to get drugs and apparently everyone knows where to get them.

“We need to be asking why these dealers are still able to operate - how many deaths must it take?”

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The fundraising campaign’s launch comes just days before Owen’s funeral at St Mary’s Church in Great Chart, which is expected to be heavily attended.

Mr Kinghorn noted: “We’re not asking for flowers on the day.

“Instead of someone spending money on flowers, they can give it to the worthy cause of the Kenward Trust.”

The Kenward Trust, which has an alcohol and drugs rehabilitation centre in Yalding near Maidstone, provides personalised therapeutic interventions to address drug and alcohol dependence.

Its Think Differently campaign - launched in 2016 - targets pupils aged between 11 and 18 years old, aiming to create a better understanding of the physical and mental consequences of substance misuse.

Penny Williams, the charity's chief executive officer, said: “Rachael got in touch because she heard about our work.

“She’s looking not only for answers but a way to try and stop it from happening to others.

“The money raised will specifically go towards our work with young children and we’re hoping to do more work around Ashford.

“This money will really make a difference - we’re completely funded by donations - and it’s very kind of Rachael to think of us.”

Owen’s funeral will be held tomorrow from 11.30am at St Mary’s in Great Chart.

While the graveside interment will be strictly for close family only, the preceding service is open to anyone who knew Owen.

Family flowers only but donations, if desired, to The Kenward Trust, T.W. Fuggle & Son Funeral Directors, 20 Ashford Road, Tenterden, TN30 6QU or online via www.twfuggle.co.uk or cash donations can be made at the church.

• For more details on the fundraiser, or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/owen-kinghorn

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford