Business leaders in the North-east have raised more than £60,000 in just a few hours for Maggie’s Aberdeen by agreeing to ‘do time’ in ‘jail’.
The charity’s ‘Jail or Bail’ event took place once again in Aberdeen today (Friday February 21, 2025), following the success of last year’s fundraiser.
Fourteen prominent CEOs, business owners, and senior executives swapped suits for black and white-striped jumpsuits and handcuffs. They faced a mock trial, got their ‘mug shots’ taken, and had their bail set by a judge.
The participants were locked in a ‘cell’ with nothing but a laptop and a phone, and could only secure their release by raising the set amount of ‘bail’ money.
Between them, the group have raised more than £64,000 and counting, with the Just Giving page still live. The money will go directly to supporting the thousands of individuals battling cancer with the help of Maggie’s Aberdeen.
To date, the fundraiser has raised over £500,000 for Maggie’s across the UK – almost enough to run the Aberdeen centre for an entire year.
Participant Scott James of wealth management business, Scott James & Associates, said: “I chose to support Maggie’s because sadly I’ve got some family that have been affected by cancer. The wife of one of my friends and clients has also been diagnosed with bowel cancer and is currently being supported by Maggie’s. So, I thought how better to show my support then to get involved in Jail or Bail.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience. I guess you never know what to expect from things like this, reaching out to your network and trying to get in touch with your contacts to get to give you some money - but the response has been incredible.
“Within the group itself everybody was so supportive and helping each other. Everybody was really uplifted, and the total is just unbelievable. If you donated to me or if you gave to any of my chain gang, then thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we all really appreciate it. It’ll go great guns to help Maggie’s.”
Lynne Duncan of Duncano’s Bistro in Westhill said: “It was an amazing opportunity to use the network that I have to make a huge difference in a small space of time, and just having a good insight into what Maggie’s do and the difference they make people’s lives.
“Towards the end of the event, I actually felt quite emotional because I didn’t want it to end - I’ve got goosebumps. I’ve been enthused and inspired by the rest of my inmates, and I’ve just been proud to be part of such a great day.”
Richard Stewart, Aberdeen’s centre fundraising manager, added: "We are absolutely thrilled that our 2025 jailbirds have once again made Jail or Bail a phenomenal success for Maggie’s. When we first launched the event in Aberdeen last year, we were hopeful it would do well - but we never imagined it would take off the way it has.
“To date, it has raised over £500,000 for Maggie’s across the UK – almost enough to run our centre for an entire year. On behalf of the charity, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen. It’s a true team effort, and what an incredible team it is: from our enthusiastic participants who take on the challenge to our wonderful sheriff, volunteers, and partners.
“Jail or Bail has proven that corporate fundraising can be as fun and exciting as it is meaningful."
Just Giving link - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jailorbail2025