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4 Feb 2008 16:53:49
Students will be seeing how far they can get with no money when they take part in a ‘jailbreak’ competition to raise money for local charities.
Those taking part will be ‘released’ from Bedford Prison at 9am on 9 February with nothing but their passports, mobile phones and plenty of enthusiasm.
They will have 36 hours to get as far away from Bedford as possible, and are required to take a picture alongside a landmark at their final destination, send a postcard and pick up a local newspaper.
The event has been organised by the University of Bedfordshire’s Students’ Union (UBSU) to raise money for charity as part of the annual Raise and Give (RAG) week.
UBSU Vice President Tom Phillips said: “RAG week is all about raising money in fun ways for charity. Other universities have run the jailbreak event and one student ended up in Australia. We hope our Bedford students can be just as enterprising and end up in some interesting places.
“The rules are very clear - they can’t use their own money or transport, or receive help from friends or family on the outward journey. They’re also not allowed to negotiate any pre-arrangements with travel companies before the jailbreak.
“Safety is of course paramount. Students must travel in groups including at least one male. They must not hitch lifts on motorways and must make sure that the male hitcher is the first in and the last out of each vehicle. They must also carry a European Health Insurance Card and stay in constant contact with the SU to let us know of their whereabouts.”
All sponsorship money raised will go to Bedford Air Ambulance, Keech Cottage Childrens’ Hospice and The Malawi Project.
Following the jailbreak, students will be donning fancy dress during RAG week to take part in street collections in Bedford town centre on 14 February and in Milton Keynes on 16 February. They will also be hosting a Jesterlarf Comedy Club night at the University Theatre on 12 February, featuring the cream of UK talent.
For further information email thomas.phillips@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2008» February» Students ‘break out’ of prison for charity
