BBC star is doing something epic at Somerset prison

Dick and Dom
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A television personality and Somerset charity ambassador is inviting fans to join him to raise money for people with dementia. Richard McCourt is taking part in a 'jealbreak' to raise funds for a local charity. And members of the public are being invited to join him.

Richard (Dick from the comic duo Dick and Dom) is taking part in a charity jailbreak from Shepton Mallet Prison on May 21 during Dementia Awareness Week. Richard is an ambassador for the Somerset charity Reminiscence Learning, who are organising the jailbreak.

He volunteered for the charity challenge as soon as he heard about it, as someone who has experienced the impact of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) first hand after losing his mother. Another ambassador for the charity, former BBC Television Correspondent Clinton Rogers – who is now a Deputy Lieutenant in Somerset – will also be a “jailbird” for the day.

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And the charity is now inviting members of the public to join the fun. Fiona Mahoney, CEO of Reminiscence Learning, said today: “We are very excited about this event. We have never done anything like it before. “I visited Shepton Mallet Prison and it’s going to be an incredible place to hold this event. People will have a fun day, and the funds raised will be a huge help to our charity and make a real difference.”

Shepton Mallet is the world's oldest prison, and during its history it has housed many criminals, including the notorious Kray Twins. On May 21, the charity jailbreak “convicts” will step into the shoes of prisoners for a day, take on an Escape Room challenge, and work to raise their bail to secure their release.

Participants will have “the full prisoner experience”, with challenges set in the eerie and iconic prison. After completing their tasks, they will be given lunch in order to refuel, to start raising their bail by contacting friends, family and colleagues. Every penny raised will directly help individuals living with dementia and their families.

If you would like to sign up to be a prisoner for the day contact Debbie at 07795 683 598 or email office@reminiscencelearning.co.uk