By Queenscourt Crime Correspondent Andrew Brown
The Dad behind some of the worst jokes ever heard in Southport is heading straight for ‘jail’ this Friday.
And his distraught family are unsure whether to raise the £999 ‘bail’ needed to free him from a life behind ‘bars’ – or whether to pay money to keep him in.
Jon Hardy, 57, is among a dozen kind-hearted ‘inmates’ taking part in this Friday’s Jail and Bail fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice.
They face being ‘tried’ for their ‘crimes’ in the dock at the former Southport Magistrates’ Court (now Access Point) before taking on a series of mystery challenges throughout Southport as they bid to raise as much money as they can for their local hospice.
You can donate to Jon’s appeal via his JustGiving link here.
Jon is a Key Account Manager for Rubix UK, an engineering firm.
He also loves his role at Everton Football Club, coaching open age disability teams.
He takes training every Wednesday and once a month the teams enjoy a tournament at Archbishop Beck High School in Liverpool.
He lives in Southport and is married to wife Debbie.
He will be cheered on during his challenge by son Jake and stepdaughters Callie, Courtney and Liz.
The Manchester United supporter lives in Southport, but previously lived in Salford. He grew up in Southport, attending Larkfield Primary School and Stanley High School.
Jon Hardy is raising money for Queenscourt Hospice through the Jail and Bail fundraiser.
Photo by Andtew Brown Stand Up For Southport
His ‘crime’ is telling the worst jokes possible over the past 40 years and has been landed in the dock by criminal informant Kerry Rowell.
He said: “As a Manchester United fan, I am used to taking punishment!
“At least being in jail will be a chance for me to escape what’s happening at United.”
At least the roof at the former Southport Magistrates’ Court won’t leak like it does at Old Trafford.
He said: “They all go mad at me because I keep telling the same bad jokes.
“I am a repeat offender!”
He told one example:
“My mother-in-law has been coming over to our house for Christmas for the last 10 years.
“One of these years I might even let her in!”
Jon Hardy is raising money for Queenscourt Hospice through the Jail and Bail fundraiser.
Photo by Andtew Brown Stand Up For Southport
His family has already started raising funds to keep Jon in jail.
He said: “I am really looking forward to the Jail and Bail day!
“I am really determined to make bail and raise as much as I can for Queenscourt.”
He was invited to take part by Hayley Jones, who works in the Fundraising team at Queenscourt Hospice.
Jon said: “I have known Hayley for a long time. My wife and I are best friends with Hayley’s Mum.
“We were watching the Manchester United vs Liverpool football game on TV when Hayley was telling me about Jail and Bail.
“I have always been keen to support Queenscourt Hospice.
“The wife of my oldest friend passed away at Queenscourt seven or eight years ago.
“He always said how wonderful they are at the hospice and how well they supported him and his wife.
“That really sticks with you.
“I have always known about Queenscourt Hospice. I only live half a mile away, they are very local to me.
“But it doesn’t really strike you what they do at Queenscourt until you, or someone close to you, experiences the excellent care that they provide.
“Another thing that really struck home with me was when I watched a news report on the BBC recently about hospices, and how much costs have really soared in recent months in so many different areas.
“Hospices have faced rising energy costs, rising inflation, and a cost of living crisis, all of which is having a big impact on income.
“Hospices cost an enormous amount to run and 80% of that comes from fundraising, so I wanted to do my bit to support my local hospice.”
Every penny raised through Jail & Bail will go towards Queenscourt Hospice, which provides care and support for residents across West Lancashire, Southport and Formby, 365 days a year.
Queenscourt is staging this fundraiser in collaboration with Stand Up For Southport 10am-3pm on Friday, 7th June 2024 at Access Point, based inside the former Southport Magistrates’ Court building, on Albert Road in Southport.
A handful of other local ‘criminals’ have already had their collars felt – organisers are looking forward to bringing them together in June as a ‘chain gang’.
Several local businesses are supporting the initiative on the day.
Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said:
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Andrew and the Stand Up For Southport team for this year’s Jail and Bail event. This quirky event isn’t just about fun and entertainment—it’s a testament to our community’s generosity and spirit. Together, our ‘inmates’ are raising vital funds to help us to provide compassionate care to those who need us most. We’re looking forward to laughter, camaraderie, and making a real difference where it counts.”
Stand up For Southport Director Andrew Brown said:
“We are honoured to team up with Queenscourt Hospice to launch the second Jail & Bail fundraiser!
“It’s going to be a really fun way of raising money for an incredible local charity that holds a very special place in the hearts of so many of us.”
Queenscourt Hospice provides access to specialist palliative care either at home (including care homes), hospital or in Queenscourt via the Inpatient Unit or as an Outpatient.
- Please donate to John Hardy’s fundraising page at his JustGiving link here.
- For more details or to register your interest please email Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley at: [email protected] or email: Stand Up For Southport owner Andrew Brown at: [email protected]
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