The iron gates of Shepton Mallet Prison shut behind nine brave participants as they faced a chilling night behind bars, all in the name of charity.
The inmates, “sentenced” for fictitious crimes, were challenged to raise £800 in bail for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance within 24 hours to secure their release. 
The challenge began at 12pm on Thursday, when the convicts began fundraising for their bail. By 6pm, the cells had slammed shut, and the challenge had begun. Throughout the night the inmates endured ghost tours, gruelling chores, escape rooms and spooky surprises.
The charity tailored surprises to each inmate’s fears and dislikes. Posters of pigeons plastered the walls of an inmate claiming to ‘hate birds’, a Drake hater was subject to a special sound bath of, you guessed it, Drake songs, and inmates even had the pleasure of creating a painting – without using their hands!
Their fictional crimes may have been fun, but the goal was serious: to raise life-saving funds for the charity. Together, the inmates raised over £9,000 and counting, for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
The charity said it was grateful to the participants, sponsors and everyone who donated. They gave special thanks to LFS, Carly Press and volunteer photographer, Will Badman.
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