NEWSFLASH: 7.30am Friday 11th November – four convicts breakout of their Blueloop House cells to get as far as possible in 36 hours from their HQ in Yeovil, Somerset.
Jailbreaks are tough, but this one was even harder for the Blueloop Jailbreak Challenge as the escapees were not permitted to use money for travel, food or accommodation – and each team were handcuffed together. But it was all in a good cause – to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
The first escape team to set off were Blueloop’s sales and marketing manager, Julie Grant and office manager, Sarah Hatch. Not far behind were the second team Darryn Knowles, business development executive and Ryan Grant, a former Blueloop employee.
Julie said both teams were delighted and overwhelmed by the generosity of companies and individuals both locally and throughout the UK. “We were given drinks and snacks from the public on our great escape to keep up energy levels. As well as several large donations from local businesses and sponsorship from local coach companies, we also received Oyster Cards plus a tremendous response from the railways and bus services.
“Our target was set at £1,500 on our Just Giving Page when we first planned the event. At the time we thought it was rather optimistic,” said Julie. “We did not imagine that with the online donations, sponsor forms and cheques donated that we would reach beyond that target.’
During their jailbreak the teams covered a total of 3,138 miles. The boys managed to make their way to Edinburgh, while the girls were apprehended at the police station in Dundee – 387 miles as the crow flies from HQ.
So far the escape has raised more than £1,500 and donations are still coming in. Both teams made several new friends during the 36 hours and Blueloop have since received offers for future charity work.