THE family of a 15-year-old boy who was hit by a car outside his school in Tidworth has said he is ‘lucky to be here’ as they prepare to give back to the air ambulance team which saved his life.

Tyler Dodsworth was hit by a Hyundai I10 near to Wellington Academy on Friday, June 16, and suffered critical injuries.

Emergency services including air ambulance and police attended the scene. Tyler was flown to Southampton hospital for treatment by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

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His dad Dean said: “My son is very lucky to be here. We are so grateful for the fast response of the air ambulance and their great efforts to make sure my son was stable enough to be flown to hospital. Without them, I hate to write, it would have been a totally different outcome.

“So, I feel like we owe them a lot, and I will continue to support and fundraise for them at every chance I get.”

Tyler’s dad and his brother Logan-James are now preparing to take on a special 5k run in aid of the air ambulance.

The pair will take part in the Dash in the Dark 5k run which is returning to Southampton Common on Saturday, September 21, to raise vital funds for the air ambulance team. 

Last September 750 participants joined the fun at the Southampton Dash in the Dark, raising £30,000. Since the first Dash in 2019, more than £150,000 has been raised – enough to fund 45 life-saving missions. 

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Keith Wilson, director of income and engagement at the charity, said: “We have been night flying since January 2016. Last year, 29 per cent (534) of our emergency calls happened under the cover of darkness.

“It is only thanks to our dedicated wave of supporters from events such as Dash in the Dark that we can be there for those who need our help. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to champion this event and our charity, helping us save lives every day.” 

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.

The route is softly lit and paved throughout, though head torches are recommended. 
Ticket prices have remained the same price as last year’s event, with adult tickets costing £20 and children (five to 15 years) costing £16.

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Sign up to receive a free Dash in the Dark T-shirt and all participants will also receive a glow in the dark medal at the finish line. Check in on the night will open at 6pm. The warm-up will start at 7pm, with the 5km dash beginning at 7.15pm, as darkness falls. 

To buy tickets, visit register.enthuse.com/ps/event/SouthamptonDashintheDark.

At the time of the incident, police said: “A teenage boy has been taken to hospital following a collision in Ludgershall Road, Tidworth, this morning.

“Emergency services were called shortly after 8.35am following a report that a boy had been hit by a car. The boy has been taken to Southampton Hospital with serious injuries.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision should call 101 and quote log number 63 of today.”

The driver of the car, a Hyundai I10, was not injured.