We were thrilled to welcome over 2000 supporters to The Friars, Aylesford, on Saturday 19 September, as our annual Heli Hike in Kent and Family Fun Day raised an incredible £27k to help keep our charity’s lifesaving service flying.
The popular event brought together walkers, families, volunteers and supporters for a day of fundraising, entertainment and community spirit, all in support of KSS, which responds to more than 3,100 incidents each year across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
A total of 214 walkers took part in the Heli Hike, choosing to walk three, seven and a half or ten miles through the Kent countryside. Participants enjoyed beautiful scenery while raising vital funds that will support KSS in delivering advanced pre-hospital emergency care when every second counts.
The Family Fun Day welcomed 2000 visitors, who enjoyed live entertainment, Birds of Prey displays, children’s activities, community stalls, CPR demonstrations and opportunities to meet KSS crew members and other emergency services. Visitors were also able to get an up-close look at the charity’s helicopter before it was dispatched to an incident.
One of the many supporters taking part was Ian Hoyle, who walked in memory of his brother Andy and nephew Joshua, who tragically died following a road traffic collision in 2021. Ian was joined by friends Jay Hicks and Carlo Capelli as part of their ongoing fundraising efforts for KSS.
Speaking after completing the 10-mile Heli Hike, Ian Hoyle said: “Jay, Carlo and I were proud to represent KSS United FC at the Heli Hike, raising vital funds for KSS.
It was a fantastic day, made even more special by meeting the amazing volunteers and crew along the way. We were proud to do it all in memory of Andy and Joshua.”
Katie Austin, Events Manager at KSS, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ian and everyone who joined us for this year’s Heli Hike in Kent and Family Fun Day. The support shown by our local community was truly outstanding.
“Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, volunteered, fundraised and donated, we have raised an amazing £27k, which will help us continue providing lifesaving care to critically ill and injured patients across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
“It was fantastic to see so many people come together, enjoy the day and learn more about the work of KSS. Every pound raised helps us be there for patients when they need us most.”
KSS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, bringing specialised doctors and paramedics directly to patients experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Our charity relies heavily on the generosity of supporters, with it costing more than £20.8 million a year, or around £57k a day, to provide our lifesaving service.
For information on how you can get involved with our fundraising, visit our events page.
