SUPPORTERS of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) have raised tens of thousands of pounds after the charity’s first ever 5km night-time fun run.

Runners from Andover were amongst the hundreds of people to take part in the charity’s Dash in the Dark fundraiser last month.

On Saturday, September 21, over 700 supporters of the life-saving charity lit up Southampton Common with a sea of neon paint and glow in the dark fancy dress.

Participants of all ages and abilities skipped, jumped, danced and walked their way around the route.

So far £22,000 has been raised from the event, with donations still coming in and being counted in the days and weeks after the run.

HIOWAA Events Fundraiser Nicole Davies said: “Dash in the Dark proved to be so popular that we are already planning how to make it bigger and better next year.

“Hundreds of participants turned out to show their support, dressed in colourful tutus and leg warmers, and we are staggered by the amount they raised. We owe them a huge thank you.”

For more information and for others way to raise money for HIOWAA go to www.hiowaa.org