Jail and Bail 2026

Eight Suffolk professionals “arrested” for charity challenge raise over £8,500

Eight Suffolk business leaders took part in Jail & Bail raising more than £8,500 for Home-Start Suffolk.

The fundraising challenge saw eight business leaders “charged” with an outrageous workplace crime and “arrested” by Suffolk Police from locations across Ipswich. They were then escorted to the Cock and Pye in a police vehicle where they were challenged to raise £1,000 “bail” money to secure their release from “jail”.

The humorous behaviours leading to “arrests” included dangerously over posting on LinkedIn, operating two brains without a permit and stealing a space hopper from the Home-Start Suffolk Sports Day.

Denise Head, partner at Bates Wells & Brathwaite Solicitors was arrested for vandalising a trainee’s work with red pen and was the first “convict” to raise her bail money. She said: “As a specialist in family law, I witness how children can be affected by different family situations in my day-to-day work.

“The effect Home-Start Suffolk has through supporting families and children makes a huge difference across the county. I’m proud to have taken part in Jail & Bail and raised over £1,250 for a cause that is having such a positive impact in Suffolk.

Others who participated in the fundraiser included Holly Holt of Barker Gotelee, Jenny Williams of Beckett Financial Services, Rachel Dawson, of Ellisons Solicitors, Gerard Francis of Lighthouse Personnel, Kem Izzett of Events Under Canvas  and Lewis Huxtable of IJYI.

Tara Spence, CEO at Home-Start Suffolk said: “We have recently seen a huge spike in referrals from families needing our help, a very powerful reminder of just how vital events like this are.

“Fundraising income allows us to continue recruiting and training volunteers, a process which is hugely important because the more volunteers that we have come forward and the more training opportunities we can provide, the quicker we can offer support for families by matching them with a suitable volunteer.

“It is crucial for us. It allows us to be flexible in our approach, to adapt and offer the support families really need at the right time.

“Thank you to each of the eight “convicts” who took part in Jail & Bail, as well as those who have supported and donated. Every penny raised will go towards supporting families across Suffolk when they need it most.”

If you would be interested in taking part in Jail & Bail 2027, please email fundraising@homestartinsuffolk.org.