A volunteer from 829 squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose has helped raise £24,000 for its affiliated charity Children’s Hospice South West by taking part in a jail and bail fundraiser with a group of nine volunteers.

Petty Officer Aircraft Engineering Technician (POAET) Andy Ross signed up to the event back in March in support of Little Harbour Children’s Hospice in St Austell.

He said: “I was approached to take part in the fundraiser and I didn’t have to think twice about it. I visited the hospice in April and it was emotional to say the least. After seeing the facilities they have to offer, the amount of care they provide, and the number of families that rely on their help and support I was blown away, and it gave me the motivational drive and determination to raise as much money as I could.”

The volunteers started the day at Bodmin Police Station, where they were arrested and transported to Bodmin Court. Once tried and convicted the prisoners were taken to a holding cell where they had to remain until they paid their bail, which was set at £999. Thankfully Andy raised over £1500 alone, and so his incarceration was short lived. The group's collective effort was a vast sum, in excess of £24,000.

The funds raised will greatly help the hospice continue to provide it’s much valued, vital and wide ranging care, to children and their families in the south west with life-limiting conditions.

Andy added: “We have raised an outstanding amount of money for a fantastic charity. I am over the moon to be part of the team, but this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the people that donated. It’s all of them I’m proud of.”