WOULD-BE escapees have been coming forward to compete in the Dartmoor Jailbreak and raise money for children with cerebral palsy.
Entries for this year's jailbreak on Saturday, April 20, have picked up and include teams from 29 Commando, the Police, officers training corps from both Birmingham and Exeter universities and the Royal Navy from HMS Drake.
Last year, the event was unable to be held on Dartmoor because of the foot and mouth epidemic. However £26,800 was raised which organisers hope to beat this time around.
Teams of two or more are challenged to go 'on the run' from Dartmoor Prison wearing prison gear or other disguises.
The teams are released from the prison officers' club with between 12 and 96 hours to get as far away as they can.
They must not pay for transport but must keep within the law. Those who create new records with their performance will win a place in the Jailbreak Book of Records.
Funds from the break-out help run the Vranch House school for children with cerebral palsy in Exeter. The money also buys equipment such as walking and communication aids for the children.
Sue Gould of Vranch House, who has organised the event for 17 years, appealed for more entrants and says teams can split the funds they raise 50/50 with other charities if they wish.
Among the other causes benefiting this year are CLIC, Breast Cancer Campaign, National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease, Devon Army Cadet Force and CHICKS.
For more information or an entry form please contact Sue Gould on 01392 873543 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]