Seaside Scramble invites Dorset and Somerset communities to support air ambulance
Community event promises fun while aiding life-saving care
Residents of Dorset and Somerset are set to come together for the Seaside Scramble, an event aimed at bolstering support for vital air ambulance services in the region.
Scheduled for 9th May 2026 at Baiter Park in Poole, the event offers participants a chance to engage in enjoyable yet challenging activities.
Diverse Challenges on Offer
The Seaside Scramble features a variety of obstacles spread over a 5K course that will see participants running, climbing, and crawling their way to the finish.
Mike Dukes, Director of Income Generation for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, highlighted the event’s engaging approach.
"We're really excited about this one because it is different in that a lot of the challenges for fundraising tend to be really pushing people to their limits," Dukes said.
"We're trying to get families, friends, groups to come along, have an enjoyable day, push themselves a bit—because it's going to be quite tough—but it's not going to be really pushing them too hard."
Local Involvement and Impact
Supporting the cause is directly beneficial to Dorset and Somerset, areas where about one-third of the air ambulance’s missions occur.
Participants in the scramble contribute directly to the provision of life-saving care.
On the importance of fundraising, Dukes explained, "We rely entirely on charitable donations. We are not government-funded. So events like this are crucial in maintaining our operations, especially given rising costs."
Dukes also pointed out, "All the money that we raise is required to support the operation and maintain consistency across those 19 hours of operation. Without public support, we couldn't continue delivering this critical care."
Air ambulance crew members will be participating in the scramble, providing attendees a chance to meet those who deliver life-saving services.
Event Details
The Seaside Scramble expects around 600 attendees, with AFC Bournemouth joined as a charity partner, offering additional family-friendly activities.
Participants will tackle 16 varied obstacles, including inflatables, water-based challenges, and mazes.
Funds raised aim to sustain the air ambulance's operations, and Dukes pointed out the challenges related to increasing costs.
"We're not immune from that either. Prices are going up. All the money that we raise is required to support the operation and maintain consistency across those 19 hours of operation," Dukes said.
For more details on participation opportunities and the charity's vital services, visit the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's website.