700 people lit up Southampton Common 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 21 September.
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. They were all part of the jubilant atmosphere helped along by local steel drum band Panatical and cheerleading group Liberty Pride.
So far, £30,000 has been raised through ticket sales and sponsorships, with every penny going towards bringing life-saving care to critically ill and injured patients in the region, including the charity’s recently launched Operation Airbase appeal.
Keith Wilson, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Director of Income and Engagement, said:
“This is our fifth year of Dash in the Dark, and every year it gets bigger and better. We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of people who ran and walked their way around our 5km course – many with dogs and buggies – and the crowds of people who came to support them. Every penny raised will give our next patient the best chance of survival and recovery.”
Around £180,000 has been raised since the first Dash in 2019 – enough to fund 51 life-saving missions.
The pilots, paramedics, doctors and dispatchers have responded to more than 1,700 emergency missions so far this year.
Registration for next year’s Dash in the Dark is now open at a discounted rate until 30 November. For tickets or for more information, visit: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/SouthamptonDashintheDark2025
