A director at a leading Shropshire construction business swapped brickwork and building sites for prison bars when he took part in a unique fundraising challenge for Severn Hospice.
Paul Dawkes, director of Telford-based Prestige Brickwork, has so far raised £1,537 for the hospice after joining a group of business leaders “locked up” at Shrewsbury Prison as part of the Prison Break fundraising event.
The challenge saw participants spend the day inside the historic prison, raising money towards their £999 “bail” target by calling on colleagues, customers, friends and family to support the cause.
Throughout the day – which has raised more than £10,000 – they also took part in a range of prison-themed activities designed to boost donations and awareness.
Paul said: “I had a great day taking part in ‘Lock Up Your Boss’ at Shrewsbury Prison to raise money for Severn Hospice. It was certainly a different working day, swapping the construction site and office for a prison cell.
“We were shown around the historic prison before experiencing cell life for the day, and it was great to meet and network with the other participants. I even took a turn in the pillory having sponges thrown at me – all in the name of a good cause!
“Above all, it was fantastic to help raise money for such a worthwhile local charity. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported me – it made my time behind bars well worth it.”
The event brought together organisations from across Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales, with every pound raised going to the hospice.
Severn Hospice corporate fundraiser Holly Gibbons praised those who took part, saying organisers had been “blown away by the enthusiasm and creativity” they showed.
Prestige Brickwork is one of the leading brickwork contractors in the region, supplying brickwork, blockwork and masonry services across the West Midlands. The company has worked with some of the UK’s foremost construction companies, including Countryside, Miller Homes, Tilia Homes, Lovell Homes, Bellway, David Wilson and Persimmon.
To donate to the fundraising campaign visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/prestige-brickwork
