HR Grapevine employees 'jailbreak' to France, The Netherlands and Hungary for charity

Three teams. Two days. One cause. HR Grapevine employees travelled all across Europe as part of a jailbreak event in an effort to raise money for Shelter.

The charitable event involved teams of two having to make their way as far as they can in the world without spending any money – relying completely on the goodwill of strangers. The aim, to raise a target of £1,000 for the homeless charity.

The ‘jailbreak’ began in Welwyn Garden City at 10am on Saturday 2 May 2015 and officially ended Sunday 3 May 2015 at 10pm – the deadline for the furthest distance to be recorded.

Team Jailbreaking Bad, Jamie-Louise Harvey and Matthew Woods, recorded a distance of 426km after making it to Rouen, France. They were helped by Hertfordshire bus company Uno who sponsored their train journey to the coast. From there the duo managed to get on a ferry across the English Channel.

Team Bonnie & Clyde, Calum Di Lieto and Anya Chupryna, recorded a distance of 765km after making it to Delfzijl, the very top of The Netherlands. They were let on to a coach to London Victoria where they raised enough money from strangers to pay for a second budget coach ride to Amsterdam. From there the pair jumped on trains until they reached Groningen. Their final stretch to the end of the country was helped by a friendly taxi driver named Kobus.

Team Hearty Italian, Gina Vaccarella and Peter Makin, recorded the furthest distance of 1,772km after making it to Budapest, Hungary. The winners were sponsored by Nick Robeson of interim management provider Hemming Robeson who helped them fly to Düsseldorf, Germany and then on to their final destination.

Vaccarella, Events Manager at HR Grapevine, organised the entire event. She says: “I want to say a massive thank you to all the team members involved and everyone who has been so supportive with their donations.

“It has been such a great experience and all of us have come away with some hilarious stories and memories.”

The £1,000 target was exceeded, but donations are still being accepted. If you would like to donate please click here.