Maxine gets out of jail with £1000 cash sum

Forty-six year old Maxine, from Epworth, took part in the Doncaster Jail and Bail event in memory of her son Alexander, who died in the hospice aged just eight, after four years battling neuroblastoma cancer.

Those who took part were tasked with raising £500 bail money through sponsorship, to bolster the hospice that relies heavily on donations to keep doing its work.

They were arrested at the Regent Hotel then taken to HMP Marshgate to be locked up for the day.

With great support from Isle folk in the main, Maxine raised £920 in bail cash, that the family is topping up to make £1000 total for the charity.

The willing jailbird said: “It was a very interesting day, but was a real challenge. Not everyone who went wants to repeat the experience but I definitely want to do it all again.

“It actually was very scary at times. I think it would be a good experience for schoolchildren to go through, to illustrate what happens if you do wrong.”

With the £1000 raised, Bluebell Wood can pay for 48 hours nursing care. “That’s two nights of precious sleep for parents who may not have had a night’s sleep in months,” said Maxine. “I’m very grateful and overwhelmed by the support I’ve had.”

The busy mum’s next event will be the Colour Dash in May, with Bluebell Wood Hospice, and she hopes to get as many Isle children involved in the fun run as possible.

“There are 600 people signed up all ready for the event at Rother Valley Country Park, and people can register online through Bluebell Wood. I visit the hospice often and go to Alexander’s stone. I have just been with a large teddy that was a gift from a lady in Epworth. He has joined an even bigger bear there.”