POPULAR community figures are being locked up at Pinner Police Station in a bid to raise money for a Hospice.
Key locals from across the borough will be arrested and detained behind bars until they cough up their £1,000 bail money which will go to St Luke's Hospice in Kenton Road, Kenton as part of their annual Jail and Bail fundrasing event.
It will take place on Friday, April 4 and London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, Navin Shah AM is taking part, he said: "In 2011 I languished in jail and was bailed out when I raised in excess of £5,000.
"This time there is even greater incentive to donate as I’m participating this time to be locked up. A rare opportunity to put a politician behind the bars. I’m delighted to be participating again in this event because St Luke’s Hospice is a local charity providing unique and the best quality expert palliative care service."
One of Harrow Central Mosque’s Trustees, Mohammed Abdul Rahman is also getting locked up but wants the public’s help to let him out.
He said: "I’m feeling both excited and apprehensive about being locked up. I can’t say I have ever had a brush with the law so it will be an interesting new experience. Having said that I’m a bit apprehensive as I am not sure how many of us will be sharing a cell and I’ve also heard the food is not great.
"I have always lived in Harrow and been aware of St Luke’s. However, I only fully appreciated the great work that they do when I approached them last year when we launched an initiative at Harrow Mosque to raise funds for the charity. This prompted me to visit the Hospice and I was truly impressed by what I saw."
Retired community member, Kathleen O’Conner used to work as a carer for the Brent Social Services and is joining the others behind bars alongside, Councillor Ajay Maru who is also the owner of Salon Sleek, The Chair of Harrow Sikh Association, Gopal Bhachu, St Luke’s Trustee, Ramesh Bhanderi and Rev James Mercer .
Kathleen said: “I am feeling very excited about getting locked up in prison for St Luke’s Hospice. The main reason I am taking part in this event is because many of my family members were affected by cancer and thankfully they beat it except one
“It is important for local people to help the Hospice because no-one knows what life throws at you..”
St Luke's Hospice look after the incurable in Brent and Harrow.
If you want to take part in St Luke's Jail and Bail event in April contact Aneka on 020 8382 8063 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.org/jail
