A bizarre stunt for charity has seen Barry Hearn and two snooker players arrested in Bristol today.
Matchroom Sport president Hearn, the former World Snooker Tour chairman, has been placed behind bars alongside 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham.
Main tour professional Jamie Jones and sports journalist Rob Walker have also been “implicated” and sent behind bars.
The somewhat random event is for a good cause, however, as the foursome is attempting to raise funds for the Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home.
“On Wednesday morning, the quartet were arrested and handcuffed by Avon & Somerset Police outside Bristol Temple Meads,” the press release stated.
“(They were) thrown into a van and taken into custody at Bridewell Police station.”
“Throughout the day, they will be making appeals via social media to raise money for bail.
“Will you donate to get them out, or even bid money to keep them behind bars?
“Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home, based in Bristol, has been WST’s official charity since 2016.
“They provide specialist palliative nursing care at home for children with life-limiting conditions.
“Jessie May nurses provide palliative care throughout a child’s life, extending their support to provide bereavement care for families following the death of a child.
“Please give generously for this fantastic cause!”
You can donate using the following links:
– Barry Hearn OBE: Click here
– Stuart Bingham: Click here
– Jamie Jones: Click here
– Rob Walker: Click here
Live updates, including Q&As and video messages from the four prisoners, will be available on the World Snooker Tour social media channels for X, Instagram, and TikTok.
The World Snooker Tour has been an official partner of Jessie May since 2016, raising thousands of pounds for the charity.
“Throughout the 2023/24 season, WST remains committed to raising funds for the charity, just as they have passionately done over the past seven seasons,” the WST official charity page states.
“Providing care for each child comes at an approximate cost of £1,300,000, and since the charity heavily relies on voluntary donations, they are eager to support them in every possible manner.
“The funds will be generated through player fines resulting from disciplinary actions, as well as the generous contributions received from tournament sponsors.”
Daniel Cheesman, Chief Executive at Jessie May said: “We are thrilled to be selected once again by WST for the 2023/24 season, further strengthening the relationship we’ve built.”
“The support from the staff, players, sponsors, and snooker fans has been incredible, and we are immensely grateful.
“Their support makes a remarkable difference to the lives of children and their families.
“Throughout the years, we have proudly showcased the remarkable work of our dedicated Jessie May Nurses across the UK; a unique opportunity made possible by this partnership.
“The money and awareness brought to us through WST will allow us to continue to always be able to say a resounding ‘Yes’ whenever a child and their family need us.”
Featured photo credit: WST
