Seven upstanding members of the community found themselves handcuffed, arrested and locked up at Ruislip police station.
It was all for a good cause, however, as the Northwood-based Michael Sobell Hospice staged its ‘Jail and Bail’ fundraiser on Friday (October 2).
Those who took on the crazy challenge were asked to raise as much money prior to the event and then spend time in a police cell with a mobile phone and a list of contacts until further cash was raised and they could be released on bail.
Prior to the event, all participants were sent an official summons by the police outlining their crimes and their forthcoming arrest.
The inmates, who all had to wear prison boiler suits, were Michael Sobell chief executive Lindsey Fealey; Harrow businessman Vipool Shah; Angelo Pignone from Highgrove Pool in Ruislip; Ian Harding, interim branch manager at Simply Education; Ursula Reeve, head of palliative care for East & North Herts NHS Trust; managing director James Simpson from Ickenham; and Fraser Dawson, a director at Bishops Wood Hospital in Northwood.
The inmates received very realistic treatment and were fingerprinted, photographed and had DNA samples taken, before being placed in the cell.
Inspector Rob Bryan, of Hillingdon Police, said: “Those arrested did not receive a comfortable incarceration. There was no internet or TV. Even the loo in the cell no longer flushed.”
But he added: “Jail and Bail is a fantastic way to raise money for Michael Sobell Hospice, which does so much for those with life-limiting illnesses and Hillingdon Police were proud to be a part of this great event.”
The amount raised so far by all seven participants is over £7,000 and sponsorship is still coming in.
