Jail or Bail for St.Johns Hospice
Chloe, Paddington, and a Castle Cell: Locked Up with Love for St. John’s Hospice
On Wednesday 30th October 2024, something a little different — and very special — happened within the walls of Lancaster Castle. A few brave souls, including Has2bHappy’s very own founder and proud daddy of Chloe, swapped their freedom for fundraising and took part in a truly unforgettable event: ‘Locked Up for Love’, in support of St. John’s Hospice.
This wasn’t your average charity drive. This was pantomime meets prison bars — a fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek, high-spirited challenge where nominated ‘prisoners’ were locked up for the day and tasked with raising their £999 bail to be set free. All in the name of kindness. All in memory of Chloe.
Paddington Goes to Prison
Simon, our founder and Chloe’s dad, courageously stepped into the stone walls of Lancaster Castle’s ancient prison — but he didn’t go alone. He took with him Chloe’s cherished Paddington Bear, a symbol of comfort, courage, and the unbreakable bond they still share. Together, they stepped into the cell not with hearts full of love and the support of a whole community behind them.
The day was emotional. It was silly. It was joyfully chaotic and achingly beautiful. Because every pound raised, every laugh shared, every hug given outside the cell doors sprinkled Chloe's kindness like confetti.
A Community Behind the Bars (and Beyond)
It wasn’t just Simon doing time — it was the entire Has2bHappy family that turned up, tuned in, and cheered on. From staff and friends to service users and supporters, the love was as loud as a football final. People rallied, donated, made calls, sent messages, and did everything they could to smash the bail target. And together, we didn’t just raise £999...
We raised a staggering £12,000.
Yes — £12,000 in just one day, bursting with the kind of generosity Chloe inspired in all of us.
Why We Did It
St. John’s Hospice give the gift of peace, dignity, and deep compassion during life’s hardest chapter. Their work is gentle, vital, and life-changing — and we knew we wanted to give something back. Something bold. Something joyful. Something Chloe would laugh at, cheer for, and absolutely love.
And so, with Paddington at his side, Simon did time. And the world outside those stone walls was filled with kindness, support, and more love than any cell could ever contain.
Chloe’s Joy Never Stops
What started as a tongue-in-cheek fundraiser became something truly powerful — a reminder that even through grief, joy can grow, and even behind bars, love breaks through. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who supported us, donated, laughed with us, and stood with us that day.
Thank you for helping us sprinkle kindness like confetti — and for helping us turn memories into something magical.