Women from across Dorset and Somerset came together at Vobster Quay 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.
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.
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.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
