On Saturday 13 June we welcomed around a thousand supporters to Wiston Park, Steyning for our Heli Hike in Sussex and Family Fun Day, raising over £35k to support our lifesaving work.
The event marked a special day for our charity, with Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE attending in her new role as KSS Ambassador, helping to inspire fundraisers and celebrate the community’s support. Sally took part in the 3.5 mile Heli Hike and spent time chatting with other participants, KSS volunteers and staff and met the crew of one of our helicopters which was based at the event for the day.
Community steps out to save lives
Supporters of all ages took part in the Heli Hike, choosing between 3-mile and 7.5-mile routes through the South Downs, enjoying scenic countryside while raising essential funds for the charity.
From families and friendship groups to four-legged companions, participants embraced the challenge, receiving receive medals as they crossed the line at the event village.
A day of celebration and lifesaving awareness
Running alongside the Heli Hike, the Family Fun Day drew families from across Sussex. As well as meeting some of our doctors and paramedics, they were able to watch live emergency response demonstrations with partner services, listen to live music and enjoy street food, local stalls, face painting and interactive activities. Children had a chance to learn lifesaving skills by taking part in the Mini Medic Mission.
Sally Gunnell OBE said: “It’s been fantastic to be here and see so many people coming together to support KSS. The energy, community spirit and commitment to raising funds for such an important cause has been truly inspiring. As an ambassador, I’m incredibly proud to support the vital, lifesaving work the charity carries out every day.”
KSS Chief Executive David Welch said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who took part in the Heli Hike or joined us for the Family Fun Day. The support we’ve seen from our community has been incredible. Events like this are essential in helping us continue to deliver lifesaving care across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
“We were also delighted to welcome Sally Gunnell OBE as our ambassador on the day. Her support helped make the event even more special and we are delighted to have Sally’s support in helping us reach and inspire even more people.”
Making a lifesaving difference
We rely on the generosity of supporters to raise the millions needed each year to keep our helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational. Thanks to the success of events like the Heli Hike and Family Fun Day, we can continue responding to over nine emergency calls every day, bringing expert, pre-hospital emergency care to patients when every second counts.
