'Fabulous Evening' At Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Dash In The Dark Raises £15,000

More than 400 people lit up Seaclose Park in aid of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance at the charity’s glow in the dark fun run, Dash in the Dark, on Saturday (October 7).  

Following the incredible success of the inaugural Island Dash in the Dark in 2022, crowds of all ages filled the route in their funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks to support their local air ambulance.

So far, £15,000 has been raised through ticket sales and fundraising initiatives – enough to fund up to five emergency missions. Every penny raised on the night will go towards bringing life-saving care to critically ill and injured patients in the region.

Participants included patients and relatives who have first-hand experience of needing the life-saving skills of the air ambulance crew, including Kevan Taylor, Winford, who has first-hand experience of relying on the specialist skills of the air ambulance team, having been treated and flown to hospital on three separate occasions.

He said:

“It was a privilege to be runner number 1.

"The whole event was so well organised and a special thank you to all the volunteers who worked hard and supported all the participants throughout the night.”

Keith Wilson, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Director of Income and Engagement, said:

“Dash in the Dark has steadily become one of the highlights in the fundraising calendar.

"Every year people return to our feel-good 5k; whether it’s their first or 50th fun-run, it’s a warm and welcoming environment for people in our community.

"A huge thank you to each person who joined us on the night and to all those who sponsored their friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues. Your support is saving lives every day.”

The pilots, paramedics, doctors and dispatchers have responded to more than 1,340 emergency missions so far this year.

Registration for next year’s Dash in the Dark is now open. More information can be found online.