Lancashire bosses were arrested and thrown behind bars for make-believe crimes – all in the name of Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The eight Bail Me Out bandits were arrested at Chorley Police Station on Friday morning, before being made to do time at Shepherds Hall Ale House and Victoria Rooms until they each raised £999 in bail money.
Charged with make-believe crimes such as ‘theft of wigs’, ‘taking too many selfies’, and ‘excessive snoring’, the criminals had only their phones and laptops to help them break out of jail.
Not only did the kind-hearted criminals spend the day networking and learning more about Derian House, but they also took part in a multitude of challenges out in the community to win vital bail time and vouchers towards their fundraising goals.
From finding a pot of gold, taking a selfie with a dog, and even breaking a wooden board with their bare hands in a unique workshop with Firewalk Events.
The criminals raised £10,000 in total that will help to care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West of England.
Rick Bolton, a Parent Trustee at Derian House, took part in Bail Me Out for the first time this year. The social worker and safeguarding consultant visits the hospice regularly with his 13-year-old son Isaac and family.
He said: “Bail Me Out is an absolutely fantastic day. It was an excellent opportunity to get to know everyone and to raise as much money as possible. As a parent Trustee at Derian House I want to raise every penny I can for the charity that does so much for my family – and for families just like mine.
“I would really encourage anyone to get involved. Take a day out of your routine and help not only to raise awareness of what Derian House does, but raise vital funding and play a part in helping 400 families across the North West.”
This year was also a first for Shelley Ford, Sales Executive at Pilkington Oils, who said: “I took part in Bail Me Out this year because I have visited Derian house and seen the amazing work they do for families – I really wanted to raise as much as possible to help them continue to do all they do.
“It has been an absolute blast! I loved taking part in all of the challenges and meeting lots of new people. I think the best thing about it was that so many different people from different walks of life work together to raise as much money as possible for families who really need it. There was a great team spirit. I had a fantastic time and I can’t wait to do it again!”
Ellie Smith, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We am overwhelmed at the support we received at Bail Me Out and cannot thank our participants enough for giving up a day to take part in fun challenges and help raise money and awareness for our charity.
“The money our ‘prisoners’ raised will make a huge difference to the children, young people and families who are cared for by Derian House.
“While care is free for families, but it will cost £6million to run services at Derian House in 2023 and so we rely heavily on our supporters to raise 70p in every £1.”
