Richard - better known as Dick from the comic duo Dick and Dom - is taking part in a charity jailbreak from Shepton Mallet Prison on May 21 as part of Dementia Awareness Week.
Richard is an ambassador for Somerset charity Reminiscence Learning, which is organising the jailbreak. He volunteered for the charity challenge as soon as he heard about it, as someone who has experienced the impact of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) first hand after losing his mother.
Another ambassador for the charity, former BBC TV correspondent Clinton Rogers, who is now a Deputy Lieutenant in Somerset, will also be a ‘jailbird’ for the day.
And the charity is now inviting members of the public to join the fun. Fiona Mahoney, CEO of Reminiscence Learning, said: “We are very excited about this event. We have never done anything like it before.
“I visited Shepton Mallet Prison and it’s going to be an incredible place to hold this event. People will have a fun day, and the funds raised will be a huge help to our charity and make a real difference.”
Shepton Mallet is the world's oldest prison and during its history it has housed many criminals, including the notorious Kray Twins.
On May 21, the charity jailbreak ‘convicts’ will step into the shoes of prisoners for a day, take on an escape room challenge, and work to raise their bail to secure their release.
Every penny raised will directly help individuals living with dementia and their families.
To sign up to be a prisoner for the day, contact Debbie on 07795 683 598 or email [email protected]