Hundreds of people illuminated the night sky as they raced to save lives.

Neon-clad walkers, runners, and joggers descended on Southampton Common for the annual Dash in the Dark event.

Participants of all ages donned their brightest clothes and funkiest fancy dress for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance fundraiser.

Now in its fifth year, the popular 5km race welcomed 700 people on Saturday.

It comes after the charity launched its biggest fundraising appeal to raise millions to relocate its airbase to a site close to Southampton Airport.

Keith Wilson, director of income and engagement at the charity, said: “This is our fifth year of Dash in the Dark, and every year it gets bigger and better.

“We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of people who ran and walked their way around our 5km course - many with dogs and buggies - and the crowds of people who came to support them.

“Every penny raised will give our next patient the best chance of survival and recovery."

(Image: Alex Shute)Among those sporting neon face-paint and fluorescent glow sticks was Dean and Logan-James Dodsworth.

The pair decided to run 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 last year.

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 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.”

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Keith Wilson added: “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.

“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.

Earlier this month the charity launched Operation Airbase, a £3.6 million appeal for its airbase and charity headquarters.

The £9 million needed to acquire the building has already been raised, but millions more are needed to convert and equip the site near Southampton Airport.

The move from its current base in Andover to Southampton will mean doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of take-off.

It currently takes around 20 minutes or more to reach an emergency.