09.03.10
On Friday, 5th March, Magilligan Prison opened its gates to allow The Cedar Foundation raise vital funds for the charity through an event named 'Jail and Bail'.
Usually this type of event is located in a swanky new boardroom but on this occasion The Cedar Foundation were thrilled to be bringing the literal meaning to the name; 'Jail and Bail', through accessing the prison’s facilities. St Mary's College Principal, Marie Lindsay, alongside representatives from E.A. Davies, Accelerate Taxis, Boots Chemist, PDQ Solutions and ASDA Coleraine, all agreed to 'give themselves up' at midday on Friday. Mayor of Limavady, Cllr Cathal O hOisin was present to oversee the arrests of the group who were then put into solitary confinement until their £500 bail money was raised- they were allowed to contact people on the outside for help.
Cedar is a local charity with 23 locations spread throughout Northern Ireland including a recently opened a new purpose built Training and Resource Centre in Derry. The Cedar Foundation works in partnership with disabled people across Northern Ireland providing quality support, care, accommodation and training services to enable disabled adults and children to participate in all aspects of community life. Cedar's Vision is a society in which disabled adults and children are fully included citizens. To find out more about Cedar and the services it provides, tel: 02890 666188 or log on to
Principal of St Mary's, Marie Lindsay said, "We at St Mary's have been fans of the Cedar Foundation for many years and I want to congratulate them on the opening of their new Training and Resource Centre at Springtown Industrial Estate. Personally, I am delighted to be able to help them and have learned a lot from my 'time inside' at Magilligan!"
Magilligan Deputy Governor Gavin Clendinning was delighted to be hosting this group of temporary 'inmates' for the day.
He said: "Magilligan Prison is continually exploring ways of linking up with the local community and this is an ideal way to use our facilities for a good cause. The Cedar Foundation does tremendous work for people with disabilities and I hope it receives thousands following this event. If not, we may have to lock a few more people up overnight!"
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