Business duo use themselves to advertise fundraising stunt

Business partners Ben Davis and Jason Odle have set up a temporary home in a shop window in Harrogate’s Parliament Street throughout this week to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The pair are working, sleeping and eating in full view of passers-by until Sunday to try to raise money for Harrogate’s St Michael’s Hospice.

Each lunchtime, passers-by will be given the chance to watch the pair, who run a Harrogate advertising company, Vida, being put through their paces by a fitness instructor.

An intercom has also been installed, allowing those outside to communicate with Mr Davis, 24, and Mr Odle, 23, through the window of the vacant shop, which used to be a clothing store.

The fundraising event, which started on Sunday, has attracted 200 followers on Facebook, and has so far raised more than £2,500. Mr Odle said: “We’re overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the local community who have really got behind what we’re doing.”

Their progress is being charted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/themannequinchallenge, and donations can be posted through the shop’s letterbox or made online via www.justgiving.com/shopwindow/

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