Almost 400 tickets have been sold for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Dash in the Dark.
Tickets are selling fast for the 5km night-time fun run held on Southampton Common on Saturday 21 September, sponsored by Paris Smith.
The life-saving charity is making a final call for participants of all ages to light up the night with their brightest clothes, funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks to help keep them flying and saving lives.
Participants include Dean and Logan-James Dodsworth who are running in support of their son and brother, Tyler (15), who sustained critical injuries when he was hit by a car outside his school in Tidworth in 2023.
Dean said:
“My son is very lucky to be here. We are so grateful for the fast response of the air ambulance and their great efforts to make sure my son was stable enough to be flown to hospital. I hate to say this but without them, it would have been a totally different outcome. I feel like we owe them a lot and I will continue to support and fundraise for them at every chance I get.”
Keith Wilson, Director of Income and Engagement, said:
“It is only thanks to our dedicated wave of supporters from events such as Dash in the Dark that we can be there for those who need our help. Seven days a week, 365 days a year. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to champion this event and our charity, helping us save lives every day.”
Since the first Dash in 2019, more than £150,000 has been raised – enough to fund 45 life-saving missions.
Check in on the night will open at 6pm with the 5km dash beginning at 7.15pm, as darkness falls. The charity states the route is softly lit and paved throughout, though head torches are essential. All participants will receive a free Dash in the Dark T-shirt and a glow in the dark medal at the finish line.
Adult tickets cost £20 and children (5-15 years) £16. Every penny raised goes towards keeping the air ambulance charity on the front line and saving lives.
Tickets can be purchased via the website.
