With an unrivalled passion for supporting local communities, Checkatrade, the online resource which helps homeowners source a reputable tradesperson in their local area, has launched its annual Charity Jailbreak held in partnership with leading West Sussex radio station, Spirit FM!

Held on Sunday 7 May, the fake fugitives will compete in teams of four, meeting at Fontwell Park Racecourse where they will be handcuffed together, board one of the coaches generously donated by Richardson’s and sent to the slammer!

However, these jailbirds can forget any ideas of digging a tunnel or cakes with files in, help will appear in the form of the prison warden, a double agent, who will help competitors escape – dropping them off at a secret location.

With no phone, no money and only their wits to help them, the escapees will have to find their way back to the hideout – blagging help along the way.

Dressed to impress, jailbreakers are encouraged to don their best fancy dress for the event which in the past has seen competitors dress as fairies, traffic cones and of course, jailbird chicks.  Provided with a swag bag packed with hints and tips on making it to the hideout, along with help from social media through #jailbreak, teams are set to have plenty of fun as they escape from the long arm of the ‘law’.

The event aims to raise vital funds and awareness for The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, a charity which provides practical care and emotional support for 69 local children with a life-threating or terminal condition in their own home.

This isn’t the first time Checkatrade have got involved with the Charity Jailbreak event, in 2016, through Checkatrade’s support, the event saw almost £7000 raised for the charity.

Through its charity work, Checkatrade supports a wide range of charitable causes and  the foundation’s Fundraising Manager, Claire Allen, says: “ Events such as the Checkatrade Jailbreak not only raise funds, but bring communities together – all while having fun!”

She continued, “We are delighted to once again be able to support The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, which provides essential help and support for families when they need it most.”

For more information on the event, including how to sign up, visit http://jailbreak.checkatrade.com/. Places are filling up quickly and one coach is already full so register your team soon if you want to take part. Listeners to Spirit FM can also keep up with all the runaway action on the day as the station follows teams and reports live on their progress.