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Escape from Manchester: Fundraisers have 30 hours to flee city and get as far away as possible… for charity

By Chloe Vinden

Fleeing Manchester is the aim of a ‘Jailbreak’ charity event next week – as fundraisers will have 30 hours to get as far away from the city as they can.

Former contestants have managed to get as far as New York and even Hong Kong, while others have made it across Europe.

The crazy challenge is in aid of Salford cancer charity KidsCan and will take place over 30 hours from 4pm on October 25.

The event, organised by the Students’ Union RAG (raising and giving) initiative, is Manchester University’s longest running sponsored charity event and includes teams of two or three taking part.

Teams are from all three Manchester universities and members of the general public are also welcome to take part.

Emily Hodson, 21, a final year English language and French student at Manchester University who is taking part, said: “I wanted to do something a bit more daring in my final year before graduating. RAG (raising and giving) gives you opportunities to do things you won’t get the chance to do outside uni.”

The event, which made £9,500 last year for KidsCan, has been raising money for the Salford-based charity for the last eight years.

Emily, who is also one of Manchester University’s RAG Publicity Officers, added: “It’s for a really good, locally based charity so combining the two elements was really attractive to me. Cancer has affected my life in much the way it has everybody; so investing in a cancer treatment for children is really investing in your own future.”

Established in 2002, KidsCan works specifically to support research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer.

James Croydon, 23, KidsCan’s Student and Community Fundraiser said: “We are delighted to be supported by Manchester RAG and the students of the University of Manchester again this year. Students are so enthusiastic and always do a brilliant job in raising huge amounts of money for our research.

“We’ve had so many great stories from Jailbreak events and all the students who take part seem to have a great time, with many of them telling us it’s one of the best things they did at University. We’re also always amazed at the generosity of all those who help the students along on the event.

“We hope this year’s event will be just as successful as previous years and we would like to thank everyone involved for doing something amazing for KidsCan.”

To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/jailbreakmcr2013 or www.manchesterrag.com

Picture courtesy of Be11boy, with thanks.

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