Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s (HIOWAA) fun run, Dash in the Dark, will return this September as a virtual event.

The fundraising event, launched last year, challenges participants to cover 5km wearing glow-in-the-dark clothing and paint to raise money to support the charity’s life-saving work.

Having previously taken place on Southampton Common, this year the charity is encouraging the public to run, walk, cycle or scooter in their own areas during Air Ambulance Week (September 7 - 13).

Participants can record their progress towards 5km however they want, with the charity encouraging them to share pictures and screenshots of themselves or the distance covered.

Once the charity has received these images, the successful participants will receive a glow in the dark medal as a reward.

HIOWAA CEO, Alex Lochrane, comments “Coronavirus has meant we haven’t been able to carry out any of our usual fundraising activities and events this year, which will have a lasting impact on us financially. Our first Dash in the Dark raised over £30,000 for our charity last year and I’m delighted that we have been able to make this popular event virtual. I am already looking forward to the waves of glowing pictures being shared throughout our social media pages.”

Entry to the virtual fun run will cost £10 per person, and this includes receiving the medal. Anyone interested can sign up on the charity’s website - www.hiowaa.org.