Barry Hearn and two snooker professionals were detained in Bristol today as part of an odd charity prank.The former head of the World Snooker Tour and president of Matchroom Sport, Hearn, has been jailed with world champion Stuart Bingham from 2015.
Sportswriter Rob Walker and main tour professional Jamie Jones have both been “implicated” and imprisoned.
The quartet is trying to raise money for the Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home, so the somewhat strange event is for a good cause.
According to the news release, “Avon & Somerset Police arrested and handcuffed the quartet outside Bristol Temple Meads on Wednesday morning.”
“They were placed in a van and brought to the Bridewell Police Station for detention.”
“They will be using social media to make pleas throughout the day in an effort to raise money for bail.
Will you make a donation to help them leave or will you even place a bid to keep them in prison?
Since 2016, WST’s official charity has been Bristol-based Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home.
“They offer children with life-limiting illnesses specialized palliative nursing care at home.
“Jessie May nurses offer mourning care to families after a child passes away, as well as palliative care for the duration of the child’s life.
“Please contribute generously to this wonderful cause!”
Since 2016, Jessie May has partnered with the World Snooker Tour, which has helped the charity raise thousands of pounds.
According to the WST official charity page, “WST remains committed to raising funds for the charity throughout the 2023/24 season, just as they have passionately done over the past seven seasons.”
“The estimated cost of caring for each child is £1,300,000, and as the charity primarily depends on voluntary donations, they are happy to assist them in any way that they can.
“Player fines resulting from disciplinary actions and the generous contributions received from tournament sponsors will generate the funds.”
“We are thrilled to be selected once again by WST for the 2023/24 season, further strengthening the relationship we’ve built,” stated Daniel Cheesman, Chief Executive of Jessie May.
We are incredibly appreciative of the staff, players, sponsors, and snooker fans for their wonderful support.
“The lives of children and their families are remarkably improved by their help.
“We have proudly displayed the outstanding work of our committed Jessie May Nurses throughout the UK over the years; this relationship has allowed us to take advantage of a special opportunity.
“We will be able to continue to always be able to say a resounding ‘Yes’ whenever a child and their family need us thanks to the funding and awareness brought to us through WST.”
