Inmates were tasked with various challenges at Shepton Mallet Prison. Picture: Will Badman

‘Prisoners’ raise £9,000 bail money for Somerset Air Ambulance

Paul JonesJuly 12, 20250 Comment0

PRISONERS were each challenged to raise £800 in bail money to ensure their freedom after a night behind bars – but all in a good cause.

Nine inmates were ‘checked in’ to Shepton Mallet Prison on Thursday (July 10) after being sentenced for fictional crimes.

To secure their release, they were asked to raise the bail money within 24 hours – which would be handed to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The challenge began at noon 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 – highlighting each inmate’s fears and dislikes.

For example, posters of pigeons plastered the walls of a cell occupied by an inmate who claimed to ‘hate birds’, while a Drake hater was subject to the special sound bath of, you guessed it, Drake songs.

“Their fictional crimes may have been fun, but the goal was serious: to raise life-saving funds for the charity,” a spokesperson said.

“Together, the inmates have raised more than £9,000 and counting, for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

“The charity expresses gratitude to the participants, sponsors, and every single person who donated, with special thanks to their supporters, partners and volunteers: LFS, Carly Press and photographer, Will Badman.”