Our community fundraisers support us in all sorts of fantastic ways and we welcome ideas about how supporters might raise funds for the charity by getting involved in anything from a charity auction to a 'zany clothes day' at the office.

If you do err towards the more adrenaline-fuelled end of the fundraising spectrum, there is no shortage of fundraising activities to get involved with and we take a look at some of the most popular and daring ways to support us!

Why it's good to be daring

Of course, it's up to the individual to decide what it means to be daring, but there are many benefits to fundraising by way of an activity that helps you to rise to a new personal challenge.

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone

Stepping out of one's comfort zone is a challenging thing to do. It might indeed be a physical feat, requiring you to take on an activity such as the Royal Marines Commando Challenge, or it might challenge you in a different way; perhaps you are creative and you want to undertake a draw-a-thon, or you are assembling a choir to embark on some carol-singing.

However you decide to raise funds, doing something that will challenge your norm can be inspiring and immensely fulfilling.

You help a charity 

Many people choose personal challenges as an opportunity to fundraise for their nominated charity. In 2018 it cost £7.5 million to keep Devon's air ambulances flying and 8% of that income was raised by the incredible work of community fundraisers and groups. That is no mean feat and it shows what a positive impact a person's personal challenge or enthusiasm can have on other people.

You'll tap into hidden strengths

Being daring and taking on a new challenge is a great way to tap into your hidden talents, skills and strengths. By pushing ourselves we find out more about who we are and what we are capable of achieving. 

A few ideas to help you get started

As we said, being daring needn't necessarily be a physical pursuit, but we are also aware that many of our supporters are keen to embrace a chance to get their teeth into something physically daring. Below are a few events that are coming up that such supporters can get on board with:

Fundraise for us in the London Marathon

On Sunday 26 April 2020, thousands of runners from all over the country and beyond are taking part in one of the world’s most popular marathons, many of whom are running for their respective charities and causes. 

Places will confirmed by the end of October, and if you have managed to secure a place then please do consider making a difference by lending your support to Devon's two emergency aircraft. For those interested in signing up to the London Marathon next year, entries open in spring 2020.

Take a leap with a skydive

You don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to do a skydive (though it helps) . Those who have jumped out of a plane in the past will attest that the experience is an exceptional one and unlike any other.

Make sea swims your thing

If you are in your element in the sea, then there are no water-activity shortages. Sea swims are a popular way to fundraise and swimmers can choose from a range of annual events taking place across the country in support of their chosen charity.

Cycling and walking events

For the intrepid, try the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride... Or the other way! For those who want an activity that's a little closer to home there’s the Devon coast to coast - the Two Moors way, which is 102 miles from Ivybridge to Lynmouth. Or you could try the Dartmoor Way: 110 miles that goes all the way around Dartmoor.

Also popular is the Devon Coast Challenge, Hartland Point to Porlock Bay, 78.6 miles (the equivalent of 3 marathons) over 3 days by walking, running or crawling (!) along the South West Coast Path.

The Three Peaks challenge is always popular and fundraisers can organise their own group challenge.

Local marathons and half marathons include the Torbay Half Marathon, Plymouth Half Marathon, Exeter’s Great West Run, The Ruby Run (a half marathon in west Devon), and the Barnstaple Marathon.

The Royal Marines Commando Challenge

Support Devon Air Ambulance through one of our own fundraising events. The Royal Marines Commando Challenge is a popular and well-supported event that invites recruits to take on either the 5k or 10k obstacle course that genuine Royal Marines have to tackle as part of their training. Read more about this event.

How you help keep Devon's Air Ambulances flying

2020 is the year of the Olympics and as such, there are all sorts of opportunities to get into the spirit of an event that encourages diverse participation and celebrates personal and team challenges. We'd love to hear from you about the various ways you are inspired by this global event and to support you in any activity you undertake for Devon's Air Ambulances.

If you’d like to get involved in a fundraising feat - it could be a sporting event, endurance, adrenaline-fuelled, or the opposite, we’d love to hear about and support your event. Tell us about it today!