Salisbury, there was drama, laughter, and more than a touch of mischief in the city centre as Salisbury Hospice Charity’s Jail & Bail fundraiser made a triumphant return raising a fantastic £23,223.02 to support hospice care in our community.
The streets of Salisbury were buzzing on Friday 13th June as six ‘notorious’ local business professionals were arrested for their seriously silly workplace crimes. After being arrested, they faced their charges in a lively mock trial at the Guildhall, presided over by the formidable Judge Wendy Warwick White. With crowds gathered each prisoner was theatrically announced by Town Crier Jef Hutchby before the guilty parties were escorted to their cells at Live Escape Rooms by Executioner Charlie Pitcher.
From over-the-top arrests to imaginative courtroom defences the day was packed with humour, community spirit, and fantastic fundraising fun.
Louise Compton, Corporate Fundraiser at Salisbury Hospice Charity, said:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible generosity we’ve seen. The amount raised is simply amazing, and it’s a real testament to the phenomenal support of our local businesses and their networks. Their dedication and enthusiasm mean so much to us at Salisbury Hospice Charity, and it’s heartening to see how deeply our cause resonates across the community. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
Funds raised will help Salisbury Hospice Charity continue delivering compassionate, specialist care to over 1,200 patients and their families across the community each year.
Anthony Rice, Senior Manager at S&W, said the following:
“I think everyone can reflect on what was a really fun team effort with a crazy amount raised for an incredible cause. The more I think about it, the more I think the idea itself is genius… it’s a laugh, a teambuilding exercise and a really good way of reaching out to a massive network raising awareness and funds, all rolled into one!”
A heartfelt thank you goes to our six brave prisoners:
• Christian Airey, Business Director at Wessex Care
• Andy North, President of Salisbury & District Chamber of Commerce
• Martin Rossiter, Partner at PKF Francis Clark
• Dave Hearn, Director of Sarum Properties
• Anthony Rice, Senior Manager at S&W
• Craig Haywood, Store Manager at Tesco Extra Salisbury
Additional thanks go to Salisbury Guildhall, Claire and Charlie Pitcher of Live Escape Rooms Salisbury, Wiltshire Police and PC Rachel Wood and her team who volunteered their time, and our fabulous Magistrate Wendy Warwick White.
We’re also grateful to Nole Pizza, Reeve the Baker, and Tesco Extra Salisbury for generously donating food to keep our prisoners and volunteers fed. The scones certainly sparked a fierce debate in the prison: jam or cream first?
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers Christine, Nick, Debbie, Andy, Brian, Caroline, Spencer Mulholland, Trustee Stella Sykes and to all our amazing supporters and local businesses who helped make the day such a resounding success.
As the six swap their jumpsuits for business suits once again, there is still time to donate by visiting Meet the Prisoner’s webpage.
Photo credit: Spencer Mulholland Photography
