Media Release: 25 September 2023

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance held their second 5K Twilight Shift on Saturday 23rd September and what a joyous occasion it was. 

Hundreds of participants took part on the day, either running, walking or jogging the 5km route around Henstridge Airfield, which is the home of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team. 

In what was a truly memorable late afternoon filled with excitement, fun and laughter, participants set off at 5.30pm, whilst the crew of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance began the ‘twilight shift’, to carry on their life-saving work into the night.

Those who took part included off-duty crew members, former patients who had experienced the work of the air ambulance first-hand, while others ran, jogged or walked in memory of loved ones, as a personal challenge, or as a team.  

One incredible story of determination and triumph was from Mike Revell-Quayle, who suffered a cardiac arrest while at home and asleep in May this year. Mike was taken by road ambulance, accompanied by our critical care team, to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. Read Mike's story

After suffering two further cardiac arrests while in hospital and having a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) fitted, Mike has since made a fantastic recovery and wanted to give something back to the team who helped him. After completing the 5km route with his wife Shannah, Mike explained: 

The team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance saved my life; it’s such a worthy cause, saving so many people’s lives every day. When I saw the 5K Twilight event on their website, I wanted to take part so I could give something back and raise as much as possible for their vital work. We set an initial fundraising target of £200 and have raised nearly £300, so we’re really pleased to have beaten our goal.

There were many businesses that also took part on the day, including representatives from HK Law. Speaking on behalf of the team, Geoff Bates, Marketing Director at HK Law said:

HK Law are delighted to be one of the sponsors of this year’s 5K Twilight Shift event. We had a team of six representatives take part and everyone really enjoyed the challenge. It’s been a fantastic day and lovely to see so many people turn out to raise vital funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Alana Hardy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Events Officer praised the efforts of the participants and all those who were involved in the organisation of the day: 

What a fantastic turnout for our second Twilight Shift event. We were thrilled that so many people came to support the charity and raise funds for our life-saving service. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and we hope to see you all at next year’s event!

Online registration is open for next year’s 5K Twilight Shift, which will take place on Saturday 6th July 2024: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/The5KTwilightShift2024 

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Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance would like to thank all of those who supported the event including: Henstridge Airfield Clubhouse and Café, Garador, Albert Goodman, HK Law, Espressoul Coffee, DocBike, Identity.

Photographs that were taken on the day can be viewed and downloaded by visiting: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zBd7rNMforrS31rz5

View photos