The first Dartmoor Jailbreak took place in 1984. In 24 breakouts £557,292 has been
raised.
Teams have escaped to 48 different countries and featured on TV world-wide including Zagreb,Hong Kong, Brunei, Australia and America.
Military teams are regular participants. For example 29 Commando completed 2
marathons in 2 consecutive days, RNAS Culdrose built a 9 man amphibious bicycle for
their land and sea escape and another year reached the Falklands. HMS Drake fled by hot air balloon, the Royal Marines did 48 hour motorbike marathon, Ilfracombe ATC
climbed 5 mountains and the Devon Army Cadet Force regularly complete arduous
SAS courses run by Stirling Services - “Are you tough enough?”
The Police have taken part almost every year. The Torbay Police have escaped 9 times and have many records including visiting 22 countries in 4 days. The Exeter Police are also regulars whose records include kidnapping the Mayor of Blackpool and riding the tallest roller coaster in Europe.
The New York Police handed over their guns to 2 grannies to give them some target practice, the Hong Kong Police gave the grannies a bed for the night, the French Police Chief gave room and board in his own house to the Tavistock Police, whilst the military
gave safe haven to the Paignton Police in Gibraltar.
Many diverse sections of society take part including dentists, surgeons, bankers, journalists, postmen, Disc Jockies, actors, ambulance personnel, publicans, child minders and solicitors.
C
elebrities and prominent people who have helped “escapees directly or given their
signatures ” include David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Tony Blair, Jack Straw, the casts of the Bill & Coronation Street, David Essex, Ronnie Barker, David Bowie, Noel
Edmonds, Judi Spiers, Colin Slade, Tom Jones. Barbara Windsor, Freddie Starr, Rula Lenska, the Queen’s Lady in Waiting & former President George Bush.
