More than 500 people dazzled The Royal Isle of Wight County Show Ground, on Saturday, at the Hampshire & IW Air Ambulance ‘Dash in the Dark’.

High winds from storm Amy couldn’t stop the crowds as they filled the 5km (3mile) route in their funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks to support their local air ambulance.

So far, £25,000 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.

The charity’s current appeal, Operation Airbase, aims to raise £3.6 million towards the conversion of its new airbase, near Southampton Airport. The move will improve response times to every patient on the Island.

Keith Wilson, Hampshire & IW Air Ambulance director of income and engagement, said: “Every year ‘Dash in the Dark’ gets bigger and better. We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of residents and visitors to the Island, who showed their support for the region’s air ambulance once again. It’s always a fantastic event with the most fantastic support. We are in a pivotal moment in the charity’s history, as we prepare to become operational from our new airbase from spring 2026.”

The pilots, paramedics, doctors and dispatchers, who make up the charity’s critical care team, have responded to almost 2,000 emergency missions so far this year.

You can view our on-line gallery of the event at iw.observer/dash-in-the-dark or scan the QR code.