High profile "felons" locked-up for Red Cross appeal

Some of Exeter’s highest profile local figures will be “arrested” tomorrow as part a fundraising 'Jail and Bail'  for the British Red Cross.

Andrew Maynard from Michelmores law firm, Tim Darby of Exeter Race course and Police Superintendent Sarah Sharpe are among the eight high profile “felons” who will kept prisoner in the director’s box at Exeter City Football Club tomorrow afternoon.

The “felons” will have mugshots and fingerprints taken before being charged by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Rachel Lyons, for “refusing to ignore people in crisis.”

They will then have to stay in the director’s box decorated to resemble a prison cell until at they can each raise £500 in charitable donations as their "bail".

In total eight leading local figures will give up their freedom to raise money for the British Red Cross including Mike Whitlam, a former director general of the British Red Cross, Carleen Kelemen, chairman of the Institute of Directors Devon and Cornwall, Richard Jacobs, director of EIC Group and Carol Phipps, from Moto South West.

Sir John Cave, the vice lord lieutenant of Devon will also volunteer for the charity detention.

Exeter City vice-chairman Julian Tagg said, “As a community-owned club, we’re delighted to be working in partnership with a most deserving charity like British Red Cross, who undertake so much vital work in local communities throughout the UK and across the world.

“We look forward to locking the prisoners up and to earn their release, hope that they are able to raise desperately-needed funds for the British Red Cross”.

While imprisoned the volunteers will be accompanied by a British Red Cross worker who will look after their welfare. 

Rowena Cross, community fundraiser for Devon, says: “This event will really help us raise the profile of all the work the British Red Cross undertakes in the Devon area, whilst at the same time highlighting our humanitarian work in crisis situations all over the world, including in disaster situations such as those caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

“As well as our high profile international work the Red Cross is also very active running projects to help vulnerable people in local communities across Devon, such as our support to people affected by fires and other emergencies, short-term practical and emotional support at home to help people regain their independence, first aid training and much more. The money raised through this event will help this vital work.”