We hope you find these questions useful. If you have a query that isn’t covered, please email our Events Team via events@aakss.org.uk.
When and where is it? Heli Hike in Kent is taking place on Saturday 23rd September 2023. The route starts and finishes at The Friars, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BX.
How do I get to The Friars? Please visit here for directions on how to find The Friars, in Aylesford. Visiting The Friars Aylesford Priory, Maidstone, Kent
When are early bird tickets available until? Our early bird tickets will be available until 28th July 2023
How much is it to enter?
7.5 miles – Adult £20, Child £15, Family (2 adults, 3 children) £65
3 miles – Adult £10, Child £7.50 (aged 5-16, under 5s go free), Family (2 adults, 3 children) £33
How much money do I need to raise? Our fundraising events are a vital source of income. Please use your participation to ask your friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.
£100 is approximately the cost of the protective footwear our doctors or paramedics’ wear. They need to get from the helicopter to the casualty as quick as possible, no matter the weather or terrain, so it is vital they wear the right footwear.
What’s included in my entry fee? A KSS t-shirt, a marshalled route and a bespoke medal.
Are dogs welcome? Yes, dogs are welcome to join us at Heli Hike. They will need to be always kept on a lead due to the number of participants including children and other dogs. Please only bring your dog if it is happy being on a lead and can socialise suitably with others. At no time should dogs be left in vehicles.
What time does it start? Join us from 9am to allow time to check-in, collect your t-shirt(s) (if you’re not planning to collect this from us prior to the event) and to join in our Zumba-style warm up taking place at 9.50am. You’ll head off on your walk at 10am.
What are the route options? We have two options available; 7.5 miles or 3 miles. The 3 mile route is recommended for families.
Are the routes hilly? The 3 mile route is a flat route, with no hills. The 7.5-mile route does have a few uphill sections to challenge you, but once you reach the top of Blue Bell Hill, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the Weald, then it is down-hill back to The Friars.
Who can take part in Heli Hike? Our 3 mile route is a flat, accessible route suitable for all ages and abilities. Our 7.5-mile route is more challenging and is recommended for older children and adults. Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Can I take part in fancy dress? Absolutely you can! We are encouraging you to accessorise – the redder the better, to match our colours and your free t-shirt!
Will there be parking? Yes, there’ll be parking onsite – there will be signs and marshals in place to welcome you on arrival. We recommend you do not leave any items inside your vehicle. Any items that are left will be left at your own risk.
What should I bring with me on the day? Most importantly, we recommend wearing suitable footwear; walking boots or supportive trainers. In addition, please pack for all weathers, including things like; sun cream, sunglasses, hat, water, a waterproof jacket.
Will there be toilet facilities? Yes – there will be toilet facilities at The Friars where the walk starts and ends.
Will there be refreshments stops along the route? Yes, Heli Hike is a fully supported walking event and there will be a refreshment stop along each of the routes. There will also be refreshments available to purchase at The Friars.
Am I required to cross any roads along the route? Yes, whilst every effort has been made to restrict the number of times you’ll be required to do so, it is inevitable that you will be required to cross or follow a section of the road along your chosen route. Walkers must always remain vigilant and adhere to the Highway Code for pedestrians. There will be a member of our friendly team at every crossing, to help you cross the road safely.
When and how will I receive my t-shirt(s)? Your t-shirt(s) will be available to collect from our Rochester Office from Monday 18th September – Friday 22nd September, 9am – 4pm. We are also offering one evening collection on Thursday 21st September, between 4pm-8pm.
If you’re unable to collect during this time, they will be available to collect on the day at the registration desk.
Where do I collect my t-shirt from? You can collect your t-shirt from our Rochester Office, located at Rochester City Airport, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9SD. Alternatively, you can collect your t-shirt on the day from The Friars.
What do I do if my t-shirt or a t-shirt I’ve ordered for someone else does not fit? Please bring this with you on the day to exchange for an alternative size/s at registration
What kinds of entertainment and stalls will there be? You’ll be able to meet the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex Team, get involved in some games and enjoy some music, food and drink.
What happens if I hurt myself whilst taking part? We recommend that all participants always have their phone on them, and you will be provided with a contact number to use in the event of an emergency. Should you come to any harm whilst out on the course, and you’re not near an event marshal, please do use the emergency contact number that we’ll provide you with or dial 999.
We will have first aid available, located at The Friars. Please note, should you require first aid, we will dispatch the team to you but there may be a delay in getting to you due to the remote nature of the routes.
Can I use another platform to fundraise on, other than JustGiving? JustGiving is our preferred platform. We recommend that you use your fundraising page by sharing it with your friends, family and colleagues to gain sponsorship.
If you choose to set up an alternative fundraiser, like a Facebook fundraiser, please be assured that all monies raised will reach us; you’ll just need to ensure that you include the details of the event and details of the challenge that you’re taking on i.e. ‘I’m taking part in Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex’s Heli Hike’.
If I’m part of a team that’s walking together, can we fundraise collectively? Yes, absolutely, this is what we recommend.