Women from across Dorset and Somerset came together at Vobster Quay on Sunday 23 August for DARE to BARE, a topless sponsored swim supporting Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, while raising awareness that women are less likely to receive life-saving CPR than men.
Together, participants raised an incredible £24.5k and counting for the charity, helping to fund Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s vital work across the region. Every mission the charity is tasked to is funded by the generosity of local people, like the women taking in part in DARE to BARE.
The event brought women of all ages and abilities in a powerful show of community spirit. Alongside the swimming challenge, participants also learned CPR and defibrillator skills using the charity’s female manikins, helping them feel more confident to act quickly in an emergency.
A participant said:
“One of the things that inspired me to do the swim was the idea that women are not getting equal CPR. It shocked me to the core! It was a really joyful event and exactly what we hoped it would be. It was just amazing to see everyone without a care in the world, what an amazing atmosphere!”
Tania Eveleigh, Events Manager at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“What an incredible evening! The sun was shining, the water at Vobster Quay was stunning and our swimmers really embraced the challenge, there were huge smiles all round as everyone dared to bare.
It was fantastic to hear from a former patient and see such great attendance at our CPR awareness sessions. The fundraising has also been outstanding, with two participants already raising more than £1,000 each.
But most importantly, we broke the stigma around women being able to bare their chests and receive CPR. Chest access can save lives, and we wanted to create a fun, positive space to have that conversation. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the event such a success!”
The charity would like to thank everyone who took part, fundraised, and helped make the event a success, with special thanks to Vobster Quay, Zoggs, Little Jacks Sausage Rolls, Dags Café, Rumwell Farm Shop, Soulfired Sauna, The Holcombe, Bishops Palace, Queens Hotel & Spa and Fairfields Crisps for their generous support of the event.
Last year alone, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s critical care team was tasked to 2,738 incidents, with each mission costing around £3,500. Every pound raised through DARE to BARE will help the charity continue providing pre-hospital critical care to the most ill and injured patients across Dorset and Somerset.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides life-saving, pre-hospital critical care, to patients in need. We are your local air ambulance charity; a vital part of the community and we rely on your support.
Vobster Quay is one of the UK’s leading inland open water activity centres, located near Radstock in Somerset. A unique freshwater quarry lake, set within a 36-acre wildlife-rich site, Vobster Quay provides a safe, welcoming and professionally managed environment for open water swimming, scuba diving, freediving and paddle sports, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. Renowned for its strong
safety culture, supportive community and excellent facilities, Vobster Quay regularly hosts charitable, training and community-focused events throughout the year.
More information about Vobster Quay can be found by visiting: www.vobster.com
