Local supporters raise vital funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Jo Oldridge, from Ashurst in the New Forest, has been on a mission to support our life-saving service since 2022 – tackling challenges across the country, all to keep our crew flying and saving lives.
This year, Jo and her friend Marianne Edwards have taken on not one, but two Ultra Challenges: a 50km trek in April along the Windsor and Thames Path and another 50km hike across the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, raising a total of £1,058.
Jo and Marianne at the start line of the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge.
The duo have also supported our life-saving service by joining us for every Dash in the Dark event since we first launched the special night time mission on the Isle of Wight in 2022, raising more than £3,000 – enough to buy flight suits for six members of our Critical Care Team.
This essential piece of kit ensures our crew can be life-saving ready, 365 days a year. Watch the video below as Dr Louisa Chan explains more.
Jo reflected on her fundraising journey, telling us:
“I first came across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance a few years ago when somebody had fallen from their horse in the field next to our house, and the air ambulance attended as a normal ambulance couldn’t get to them.
“I had also witnessed these amazing people attend an injured man on an Isle of Wight challenge I was doing a few years ago, and since then I’ve always had an awareness of this charity and the amazing work they do to save lives.
“I walked my first event in aid of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in 2022 at The Peak District 100km, then April this year (2025) at the Easter 50km, the 50km Gower Peninsula Challenge in July and several Dash in the Dark events on the Isle of Wight with Marianne over the years as well!”
“I’m very proud to have raised money for this charity and it gladdens my heart that I’m able bodied enough at my ripe old age of 58 to continue to walk many miles and do whatever I can in support of them.”
“The company I work for (Veritech Systems Ltd) are a charity partner of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and are hosting a Charity Gala in October – our team are all very much looking forward to it and I’m hoping this will raise a good amount of money!”
Lily Worth, Events Coordinator at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said:
“A massive congratulations to both Jo and Marianne, for their exceptional Ultra Challenge achievements! The support that has so kindly been provided through fundraising efforts, has been nothing short of amazing.
“A big thank you to the wonderful team at Veritech Systems too, who have continued to go above and beyond to ensure our vital service can continue providing life-saving care.”
Are you looking to support a local life-saving charity? Check out our events page and sign up to your own challenge and help raise vital funds for your Air Ambulance.
