£25,000 Raised At Record Breaking Dash In The Dark

More than 500 glowing runners lit up The Royal Isle of Wight County Showground on Saturday (October 4) for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s ‘Dash in the Dark’ — and not even Storm Amy’s wild winds could blow out their sparkle.

Dressed head to toe in neon gear, glow sticks, and funky fancy dress, participants powered through the 5km course, raising an incredible £25,000 (and counting!) to support life-saving air ambulance missions across the region.

Every penny raised from the event will help keep the helicopter flying and the charity’s Critical Care Team — pilots, paramedics, doctors, and dispatchers — ready to respond to emergencies.

The team has already attended almost 2,000 missions this year alone.

This year’s event also shines a spotlight on Operation Airbase, the charity’s biggest ever appeal, which aims to raise £3.6 million to fund a brand-new airbase near Southampton Airport. Once complete, it will help crews reach patients on the Isle of Wight even faster.

Keith Wilson, the charity’s Director of Income and Engagement, said:

“Every year Dash in the Dark gets bigger and better.

"We’re so grateful to the hundreds of islanders and visitors who showed their support once again. It’s always a fantastic night with incredible community spirit.

"We’re entering a pivotal moment in our charity’s history as we prepare to operate from our new base in Spring 2026.”

The night may have been dark, but the atmosphere was electric — glowing runners, pounding music, and a shared sense of purpose lighting the way.

To find out more or get involved in future events, visit hiowaa.org.