Story
Local Fylde dentists and buddies Charlie Oates and Neil Airey are embarking on a mission to raise vital funds for the charity Dentaid – and they need YOUR support!
In 2026, Charlie and Neil began by volunteering locally with Dentaid to help provide dental care for people experiencing homelessness. But their journey won’t stop there.
In September 2027, they will travel to Uganda, one of the poorest countries in the world, to volunteer their services alongside local Ugandan dentists and a small Dentaid volunteering team. Together they will set up makeshift dental clinics in remote communities, visiting schools, churches and orphanages where dental care is desperately needed.
Many of the communities they will visit have little to no access to dental services. For many people, it will be the first time they have ever seen a dentist, and many are living with severe toothache, chronic infections and untreated dental diseases that can be life threatening.
The funds raised will help cover travel costs, equipment and essential supplies needed to run the clinics, allowing the team to provide urgent dental treatment and oral health education. Over the two weeks, they hope to help thousands of adults and children suffering from debilitating pain and infections.
Neil:
“This is something Charlie and I have talked about doing for some time and we know it will be an incredibly rewarding experience giving something back that will make a real difference. We hope you can support us in this. Any donation, no matter how small, will help create a life-changing impact for people who otherwise would have no access to dental care.”
Charlie:
‘’ After recently seeing firsthand the impact of delivering urgent dental treatment has had locally, it is a real honour to be able to do the same for the Ugandan communities who are suffering with debilitating dental conditions. Please help if you can whether that be through a donation or simply sharing the fundraising page, together we can support a wonderful charity and the volunteers that strive to make a difference’’
The boys are also incredibly grateful that Bupa and several dental suppliers have already pledged donations of money and supplies to support this mission.
Fundraising Events:
The fundraising begins this summer, the boys will be testing their coordination as well as their friendship taking on a three-legged charity challenge, walking over 21 miles from Bupa Garstang Practice to Bupa Lytham Road, Blackpool, via their own practice Bupa Thornton-Cleveleys on THURSDAY 18TH JUNE. Do look out for us on the road side and cheer us on! Donations will also be accepted for plasters, new joints and some dignity!
More fundraising events you can support will be announced throughout the year including the highlight a tombola raffle where you can win yourself a professional teeth whitening kit worth over £400!! Every donation and every bit of support is hugely appreciated. Together we can help bring essential dental care to communities that need it most.