Women DARE to BARE to highlight CPR inequality and raise funds for local air ambulance

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.

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