Volksmagic boss to be 'locked up' in prison for charity challenge
Lee has set himself a target of £1,500
A well-known Black Country figure is preparing to swap the workshop for a prison cell as he takes on an unusual challenge to raise money for disadvantaged children.
Lee Southerton, from Volksmagic workshop based in Oldbury, is set to be locked up inside the historic HM Prison Shrewsbury for 12 hours as part of the Cash for Kids Set Me Free 2026 fundraising campaign.
Instead of spending his time working on classic Volkswagens, Lee will become "Prisoner 20" for the challenge, with supporters being urged to help raise the money needed to secure his freedom.
Lee has set himself a target of £1,500, with the money going towards Cash for Kids and LoveBrum, supporting children and young people across the region.
His fundraising page had already passed the £700 mark with more than a month to go before he is put behind bars in Shropshire.
The challenge will see Lee spend 12 hours inside Shrewsbury's former prison, a building which dates back to the Georgian era and has developed a reputation as one of the country's most haunted former jails.
Lee said the challenge was ultimately about helping children and families who are struggling, with money raised locally through the campaign remaining in the area.
On his fundraising page, he said: "I'm raising money to support Cash for Kids and LoveBrum, so the charities can make a real difference to the lives of local children and young people.
"Everything raised in our area stays in our area, with a focus on alleviating poverty. Any amount you care to give is very much appreciated."
Lee is now hoping more people from the Volkswagen community and across the Black Country will get behind his efforts and help push the total towards the £1,500 target before he finds himself on the wrong side of the cell door.
Those who donate can also leave Lee a photograph or video message of support, while updates from his time inside the prison are expected to be posted through the fundraising campaign.
People wishing to support Lee's challenge can donate through his Cash for Kids fundraising page.
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