Jail Breakers to Raise Money for Richard House Hospice

Words: Michelle Harris

Glen Thomas of UKCMS, based near South Woodford, has a special itinerary planned for the August Bank Holiday.  After a ceremonial release from the Tower of London, Jail Breakers Glen and his daughter Anna, have to blag their way to Disney World Florida - absolutely free!  In the other direction, his wife Alison and son Ash, are planning a similar fund-raising trip to Red Square, Moscow! They will only have 24 hours to reach their respective destinations!  So why race across the world?

To raise money in support of the children’s hospice: Richard House.

The children’s hospice needs £3.1 million each year to provide services to children with life-limiting conditions and to also help support their families.  Many of the children are not expected to reach adulthood, so the hospice provides a whole variety of experiences and facilities.  Specialist amenities include a multi-sensory room, long-term ventilation service, family support (for up to 18 months after bereavement), day care, short-residential stays, siblings group, and there is always one bed set aside for emergency and end-of-life care. 

The Jail Break initiative has already proven very successful. Groups of people are carefully compiling their complex itineraries and calling upon friends, businesses and supporters to help their mission.  Merging a great cause whereby the local community, businesses and friends, can all be involved to support the charity and the families who rely upon the hospice.

Glen Thomas stated: “We see this as a great opportunity to make the most of the fantastic network of businesses and individuals we know.  Jailbreak allows us to raise awareness of Richard House and related organisations working for children.” Asked whether assistance would be required…

Glen noted: “Yes we do need help – airline/helicopter pilot or even an airline owner! Anybody who could help us to reach our respective locations would be fantastic.”

Ben Alonso from Richard House Hospice commented: “Jailbreak has elements which appeal to all groups, from fun for a group of friends, to a great team building exercise for local businesses.” Talking about other creative initiatives, he added: “We are always looking for people to volunteer and have other initiatives such as Path to Life, where people are asked to donate money towards bricks and pavers which will lay a Path to Life.”

Three fantastic prizes are on offer to the teams who have travelled the greatest overall distance. Also upon condition that the only money spent during the challenge, is a small food allowance!

Some Background Information on Richard House Hospice:

1. Richard House hospice provides care and services to children and families of children with life-limiting, life-threatening and complex conditions.
2. Services are provided FREE to the children and their families.
3. Families are from London and surrounding areas.
4. Many children are not expected to reach adulthood.
5. Registered charity: 1059029

Examples of expenditure include:

a) £5 - set of finger paints.
b) £60 – one child’s trip to London Zoo.
c) £525 - one day care session for one child.
d) £2,095 - respite and palliative care nurse for one month.

If you would like to sponsor UKCMS with travel assistance – please contact the UKCMS office:

Office: 0203 468 7750 /  Email:  glen.thomas@ukcms.eu

Updates on the USA and Russia Missions can be found on the website:  www.ukcms.eu

If you would like to register a team, which must have a minimum of two people, a registration fee of £25 and minimum of £200 sponsorship, or for more details about ‘Path to Life’  –  please contact Ben Alonso – 020 7540 0230

Email: BenA@richardhouse.org.uk / www.richardhouse.org.uk