We are Mark and Gary, members of the Extinction Rebellion Bedford. We were arrested during the International Rebellion in London for protesting for our collective future.

Hi I'm Mark and I'm a librarian. I'm 65yo and have been aware of approaching catastrophe since I was 16. I’d abandoned all activism and had pretty much given up hope until XR came along. This is the last of the last chances and I’m proud to be part of it. Getting arrested isn’t about the solutions, it’s about getting attention and clogging the system. Many younger people feel they can’t risk arrest. It’s up to people my age to do more of the heavy lifting.

Hi I'm Gary and I'm a postman. I'm 54 yo. I am not what most people would imagine from a climate activist; I am just a regular guy who cares about what is happening to our planet, and who recognises that 'something needs to be done'. I've been a Green Party and Greenpeace supporter for decades, but have come to realise that writing letters and going on A to B marches just doesn't have any significant effect. I was inspired to join Extinction Rebellion after being impressed by their tactics and commitment, and recognising that thousands of people on the streets prepared to be arrested would be a powerful thing. I was arrested on Good Friday for playing my drum during the crackdown on the rebels at the Parliament Square. I refused to stop playing the drum as it was keeping our spirits up. 

We were both taken to police stations where we were processed before spending several hours in cells.

In the middle of July we received a letter confirming that we were being charged with breaching a section 14 public order notice, and summoning us to appear at City Of London Magistrates Court on Friday 2nd August (the trial will be in October). If we plead guilty to this offence, or if we are found guilty after pleading not guilty, we will end up with a criminal record and a possible £1,000 fine. We will also be liable for up to another £1,000 in costs, and unless we choose to defend ourselves then the services of a solicitor will cost about £2,500. That is the price of justice in this country - if you have a modest job and do not qualify for legal aid, then a proper defence for an arrest after a perfectly peaceful protest on conscientious grounds could end up bankrupting you.

Any assistance with raising funds for the almost inevitable costs that we'll incur as a result of our arrests would be really appreciated. We will attempt to repay your kindness by continuing to fight for meaningful action in respect of climate change!

We would ideally like to raise £4500 to cover half the costs for both of us but any help is welcome and will go a long way in helping us cope with legal costs. Sharing this campaign with your family and friends is another way to help us reach our goal!

Thank you very much for your contributions, shares and support! It means the world to us.

With love and solidarity,

Gary and Mark <3