We’re asking the communities we serve across Kent to help keep us flying by supporting our popular Heli Hike and Family Fun Day, which return to The Friars, Aylesford on Saturday 19 September.
One supporter with a very poignant reason for taking part is Ian Hoyle, who’ll be walking in memory of his brother Andy and nephew, Joshua, who sadly died following a road traffic accident in August 2021.
Ian said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in Heli Hike in Kent alongside Jay Hicks and Carlo Capelli and raising as much money as we possibly can for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS).
“KSS means a huge amount to me personally. Since losing Andy and Joshua in 2021, I have been proud to support the charity through KSS United FC, helping to raise money in their memory and to give something back to the crew who were there for our family when we needed them most. We have seen first-hand the incredible difference the air ambulance can make and knowing that the money we raise helps keep this vital service flying makes every mile worthwhile.
“I’m proud to continue supporting KSS and can’t wait to take on Heli Hike with Jay and Carlo, hopefully raising as much as possible and helping make a difference to other families in the future.”
To support the group’s fundraising efforts, visit Ian’s fundraising page.
The Heli Hike in Kent and the Family Fun Day offer the chance to enjoy the Kent Countryside and a unique chance to learn more about the charity’s work while raising funds to help keep your local air ambulance flying and saving lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Starting at 9am Heli Hike in Kent offers participants a choice from three fully marshalled routes, including a gentle 3-mile walk, a scenic 7.5-mile route, or a brand-new 10-mile challenge for 2026. Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome, including dogs.
The routes take in some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside, including vineyards, open fields and panoramic views from Bluebell Hill. Every participant who completes their chosen route will receive a medal, a complimentary drink and a hero’s welcome at the finish line.
The hike will be followed by the charity’s popular Family Fun Day, which opens at 11am and will have entertainment for all ages.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet KSS crew members, see the charity’s helicopter up close if it is not required for an emergency mission, and learn more about the critical care service that responds to more than 3,100 incidents each year across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. KSS crews can reach patients anywhere in the region within 30 minutes, delivering advanced pre-hospital emergency care when every second counts.
The Family Fun Day will also feature:
- Live music and entertainment
- Birds of Prey demonstrations
- Funfair rides and bouncy castles
- Face painting and children’s activities
- CPR and defibrillator demonstrations
- Community stalls
- Meet other emergency services
- Demon Hunters (including live performance)
- The Mini Medic Mission for children aged 4 to 10
Children aged four to ten are invited to take part in the Mini Medic Mission, which will see them tackle fun challenges, learn basic lifesaving skills and earn their own Mini Medic Medal.
Every pound raised from Heli Hike in Kent and the Family Fun Day helps support KSS’s lifesaving work. The charity operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and relies heavily on public donations and fundraising to continue delivering its service. It costs more than £20.8 million a year, or around £57k each every day, to keep the charity operational.
Katie Austin, Events Manager at KSS said: “Heli Hike in Kent and the Family Fun Day are two of our most popular fundraising events and a fantastic way for people to come together, enjoy the outdoors and make a real difference. Every step taken helps our crews deliver lifesaving care to critically ill and injured patients across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. We look forward to welcoming walkers, families and supporters for what promises to be a brilliant day.”
Event details
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Start time: From 9am
Venue: The Friars, Aylesford, ME20 7BX
Distances: 3 miles, 7.5 miles or 10 miles
Entry: Adults £15, Children £10
Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time: From 11am
Venue: The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX
Admission: £2.50 (£5 for Mini Medic Mile for children aged four to ten years)
To register for Heli Hike or purchase Family Fun Day tickets, visit www.aakss.org.uk/events
