Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund supports charities giving prison leavers a second chance

Only 17.1% of ex-offenders in London were employed six weeks after release from custody[1]

Walks to 6 London prisons over 40 miles and 18 hours long

Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney has launched a series of sponsored walks to London prisons to raise funds for prison leavers as they rebuild their lives.

The walks, taking place on six Mondays in February and March 2026, will bring together members of the City’s Livery companies, prison staff, charity representatives and people with lived experience of the justice system. Inspired in the season of Lent by the words “I was in prison and you visited me,” participants will walk from the Old Bailey to several London prisons, to meet people that live and work in the prisons and charities while raising vital funds for the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund.

Each walk is led by figures closely connected to the justice system, including Ian Blakeman, Group Director of London Prisons, Fiona Adler, Honorary Secondary of the Old Bailey, and a number of Old Bailey judges. Walkers will also be joined by prison staff and individuals who have experienced the prison system firsthand.

Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, said:

“The funds raised through these walks provide vital support for people one of the lowest points in their lives, helping them rebuild and move forward. But the walks also have another important purpose: they highlight the often unseen challenges surrounding the prison system.

“By visiting prisons and hearing from those who have experienced custody, those taking part see how they can be part of the solution, whether by supporting the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund or helping in other ways.”

Walks begin or end at the Old Bailey with visits to the prisons arranged in partnership with governors, offering opportunities to speak directly with staff and offenders.

The initiative aims not only to raise funds but also to foster greater understanding of the prison system and the challenges faced by those leaving custody.

Shrieval Consort Elspeth Hughes-Penney, who has organised the walks, said:

“Seeing people come together for these walks has been incredibly encouraging. By providing small but transformative grants to prison leavers at what can be one of their lowest points on leaving prisons, the Sheriffs’& Recorder’s Fund can help them turn their lives around thereby reducing reoffending.”

For more information and how to donate, visit: https://sr-fund.org/

Notes to editors

1 Ministry of Justice, Offender Employment Outcomes – Statistical Summary, 17 February 2025

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