FOOTBALL fans and others are being invited to join a new Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) fund-raising challenge taking place during the World Cup.

The ‘Big Keepy Uppy Challenge’ will run throughout the tournament from June 11 to July 19, encouraging people to take on 3,000 ‘keepy uppies’ while raising funds to keep the charity’s helicopter flying.

DSAA is called out about 3,000 times each year, so it is challenging supporters to complete one ‘keepy uppy’ - keeping a football in the air - for every call-out, helping to support life-saving care across the two counties.

Supporters can become involved in a way which works for them, whether it means taking part alone or alongside friends, colleagues, schools, or sports clubs.

Everybody who takes part will be entered into a prize draw to win a signed AFC Bournemouth football, and those who raise £35 will receive an exclusive DSAA-branded mini football as a ‘thank you’.

DSAA fund-raising officer Rosie Cornelius-Light said: “We are really excited to launch ‘The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge’ this summer and see people across Dorset and Somerset get involved.

“Whether you manage 30, 300, or all 3,000, every keepy uppy helps support life-saving care.

“As a guide, 3,000 works out at around 80 a day, but there are no strict rules.

“It is about taking part, having fun, and giving it ago.”

Participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media and tag Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance - @dsairambulance.

More information and sign-up details are available on the DSAA website.

DSAA provides patients with life-saving, pre-hospital critical care with its helicopter flying 19 hours a day between 7 am and 2 am, and each mission costing about £3,500, which is funded almost entirely by public donations.