Kingdom FM’s breakfast show host Vanessa Motion was unexpectedly arrested live on air recently.
Two uniformed officers entered the studio, handcuffed Vanessa, and escorted her to a police car, leaving her co-host, Dave Connor in shock as the dramatic scene unfolded.
With listeners and even some of Vanessa’s family members left in suspense, Kingdom FM soon revealed that the ‘arrest’ was actually part of a fundraising stunt for Maggie’s, a charity that provides support to those affected by cancer.
The stunt was part of the “Jail or Bail” charity campaign for Maggie’s Fife, in which Vanessa and five other familiar local faces agreed to be ‘arrested’, with each needing to raise £1,000 in donations to ‘post bail’ and gain their release.
Many listeners who witnessed the ‘arrest’ live on-air reached out to Kingdom FM with concern and supportive messages for Dave, only to discover later that it was all a part of the carefully planned fundraiser.
Dave Connor, Programme Controller at Kingdom FM, expressed his appreciation for the listeners’ reaction. “It’s been amazing to see how much our listeners care for Vanessa.
“The concern turned into incredible support for Maggie’s once everyone realised it was all in fun. We are thankful to Police Scotland for helping us pull this off, and we’re proud to support a charity that does such vital work for people affected by cancer.”
The stunt even caught some of Vanessa’s family members off guard. “I forgot to tell my sister and dad. I didn’t realise until my phone lit up with my sister’s name once she heard I had been ‘arrested’ on air.
“It was unsettling to be handcuffed and led away, but it’s been worth it to support Maggie’s Fife. It’s a charity close to my heart and was haven for me after my mum passed away from cancer.”
Visit Vanessa’s Just Giving page or Maggie’s to see the current amount raised, and make a donation.
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