A mum whose son survived a fractured skull is to take on a charity fundraiser for the air ambulance crew who saved his life. 

Oscar Hutton, then aged three, fell 12 feet onto a tiled floor at his grandparents’ home in May 2019. In and out of consciousness, Oscar was carried from the conservatory into the lounge.

His grandparents, fearing they could lose their “amazing little grandson" as they anxiously awaited for the emergency services to arrive.  

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance team were by Oscar’s side in less than 20 minutes of the first 999 call. They assessed Oscar’s severe injuries and stabilised him before travelling with him to University Hospital Southampton by road ambulance.  

Oscar had sustained a fractured skull, which they weren’t aware of until he had an x-ray in hospital.  

While Oscar has been left navigating several challenges due to the injury to his brain, his mum, Jenny, recognises that without the care he received.

“Oscar may well not be here today," she said.

On Saturday September 23, Jenny, will attempt a 5km night-time fun run, Dash in the Dark, organised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, to thank the charity for saving Oscar’s life.

Jenny, her daughter, Lucy, and sister, Michelle, will be leading the charity’s run, proudly sporting runner numbers one, two and three, on Southampton Common.  

Jenny, from Aldershot, said: “Until I needed to use the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, I really had no idea about them. I now do all I can to fundraise for them – carrying on the fundraising of my late husband and Oscar’s dad, Mathew Hutton, who sadly passed away in August 2022, who volunteered for the air ambulance charity and always helped at Dash in The Dark. This will be our third time going, and I am proud and honoured to have been asked to lead the charity run.” 

Participants of all ages are encouraged to light up the night with their brightest clothes, funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks to support their local air ambulance.   

Check in on the night will open at 6pm with the 5km dash beginning at 7.15pm, as darkness falls. The charity states the route is softly lit and paved throughout, though head torches are essential. All participants will receive a free Dash in the Dark T-shirt and a glow in the dark medal at the finish line. 

Last September more than 500 participants raised £20,997 was raised – enough to fund six emergency missions.    

More than 300 tickets have now been sold for the night-time event. Adult tickets cost £20 and children (five to 15 years) £16.

Every penny raised goes towards keeping the air ambulance charity on the frontline and saving lives. Tickets can be purchased via: https://www.hiowaa.org/event/dash-in-the-dark-southampton-2023/