MUSEUM manager Des Mahon plans to throw caution to the wind to follow in the footsteps of notorious highwayman Dick Turpin.
In order to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, he plans to spend tonight in the cell where Turpin spent his last night on earth. But rather than ending up on the gallows, like the disreputable thief, he hopes to end up on the roof of the world, trekking in Tibet.
Des is building services and health and safety manager with York Museums Trust, which runs the city's Castle Museum.
He will spend 12 hours in the renowned Condemned Cell.
He aims to go on a ten-day trek in Tibet next year for the charity and his spooky sleep-over will mark the start of his campaign to raise the £3,500 he needs.
Des admitted he might not be feeling too healthy or safe once the lights went down and the doors were locked in the former Debtors' Prison building.
"I am very familiar with the building through my work, but I think spending the night there will be a different experience," he said. The British Heart Foundation plays a leading role in the fight against heart and circulatory disease, the UK's biggest killer. It is the largest independent funder of heart research in this country.
"There is a history of heart disease in my family and I have had heart operations in the past. I want to put something back," said Des.
Published: 29/10/2004
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