Scotmid Jail Birds

[L-R Craig Strachan, Margaret Anne Clark, Euan Murray (Barclays), Kevin Lowe, Stuart Forsyth and Lynne Ogg with PC Dave]

A Scotmid Co-operative team found themselves behind bars in a fun-filled charity challenge that raised an astonishing £15,000—and counting—for cancer care charity Maggie’s.

Locked away in The Lost Close, a hidden basement in Edinburgh, on Friday 29 November, the team worked tirelessly to fundraise their bail money, smashing their £10,000 target with almost three hours to spare.

The initiative, dubbed ‘Jail or Bail’, saw Kevin Lowe, Lynne Ogg, Stuart Forsyth, Margaret Anne Clark, Craig Strachan, and Euan Murray (Barclays) teaming up to rally support from customers, colleagues, members, and suppliers.

Scotmid Maggies

Scotmid said the team’s success is a testament to the community’s generosity and the company’s determination to support Maggie’s cancer care services.

Lynne Ogg, Scotmid’s head of membership and community engagement commented: “What a day! When we set ourselves the ambitious target of £10,000, we knew it would be a challenge, but the support we’ve received has been incredible. It was daunting at first, but seeing our professional and personal community come together to support such a vital cause has been truly humbling. Every single donation will make a difference.”

Hannah Harding partnerships lead at Maggie’s said the event was a huge success thanks to the team’s hard work from behind bars and the generosity of people they know: “A special thank you must go to each of our wonderful fundraising inmates who got into the spirit. From being dressed in striped jumpsuits and standing before the Judge, to posing for mug shots and even taking part in some street fundraising after making a run for it! We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who answered their call for help and donated to help them raise bail. Thank you.”

Maggie’s is Scotmid’s charity partner 2024-25. Monies raised will fund support sessions at Maggie’s centres. These centres offer free practical, emotional, and psychological support for people at any stage of their cancer journey, as well as for their loved ones.

Donations are still being accepted here