Kind-hearted business representatives swapped their normal day jobs for a spell ‘behind bars’ and raised more than £53,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Sixteen game-for-a-laugh ‘convicts’ took part in the charity’s Jail or Bail event, being arrested for fun crimes and having to spend the day at one of EACH’s bases in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
After being brought in by the police, they were handcuffed, read their rights and asked to change into custody tracksuits.
The colleagues’ mission was then to raise donations from colleagues, friends and the wider public to secure their release. By leveraging their professional networks, the goal was to raise £1,000 apiece via their individual JustGiving pages.
EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Hannah Forbester said: “Everyone was extraordinarily generous, showing great humour to help us raise a truly incredible £53,241. That figure is growing all the time, so it will end up being even more awe-inspiring.
“Our Jail or Bail challenge is a fantastic example of how the business community can come together in a fun and engaging way to make a profound difference.
“Everyone stepped out of their comfort zone, and every pound raised will make a genuine difference to the children and families we support.
“For many of the families we care for, our hospices are a lifeline and the services we provide are only possible thanks to community generosity.
“This is a wonderful example of that, and we can’t thank everyone enough, as well as those who generously donated.
“The same goes for our friends from the police forces in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. They were brilliant sports and added a touch of drama to proceedings.”
Hannah added that in addition to the funds, Jail or Bail helped raise vital awareness with huge traction on social media. There were many positive conversations and corporate connections were strengthened.
The corporate convicts at Milton were MBP Chief Executive and Founder Mark Blundell, John Henry Group Chief Executive John Farrell, Yutree Chief Executive Kevin Hancock, FM Family Law Managing Partner Fiona McLeman, RG Carter General Manager Will Robinson and ESP Chairman Mike Thompson.
MCB Financial Services Managing Director Mark Burton, Daly (Group) Ltd Managing Director Nathan Daly, Castle Colour Packaging Managing Director Paul Densley, Group 1 Norwich BMW & MINI Local Business Development Manager Brendon Lansdowne and Elveden Farms Forestry and Conservation Senior Manager Rob Minty spent the day behind bars at The Nook, while the Suffolk contingent consisted of Highway Assurance Managing Director Rob Brittain, Nadia Goodchild, from Highway Assurance, Helmingham Hall & Gardens Marketing Manager Nick Punter, Drax Director Paul Miller and Open Reach Senior Corporate Affairs Manager Vicky Hicks.
They were allowed to use their laptops and phones to appeal for financial help, and, when they reached that total, they were free to go.
“We were delighted to support EACH’s Jail or Bail fundraiser and play a small part in raising such an impressive amount for a great charity,” said Sergeant Rob Taylor, from the South Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Team.
“It was fantastic to see local business leaders embracing the spirit of the day with such good humour, and the event was a great example of how working together with our communities can make a real difference.
“EACH provides incredible support to children and families across our region, and we’re proud to have been involved in helping highlight the importance of their work.”
EACH’s Jail or Bail event took place on Thursday (26th February).
The JustGiving page is still live and you can make a donation by heading here.
