Hartlepool country music legend Jonny Larkin donates 90th birthday cash to Macmillan

The Hartlepool man, who was the oldest ever inductee into the British Country Music Hall of Fame, marked his milestone birthday with a party at the Catholic Club in Marlowe Road.

He made sure charity benefited by raising money for Macmillan nurses in appreciation for all their help. As well as donating all the money he got in his birthday cards, there was also a bucket collection and a bottle draw with proceeds also going to the cause.

Jonny’s friend and companion Sylvia Bowron said: “People have said what a brilliant night we had.

“When he was 80, he had two parties and he said then that if he was still alive at 90, he would have another one. And he did.

“It was for Macmillan Cancer Support because they had an involvement in his care.”

As well as being a popular entertainer, Johnny has also raised thousands of pounds for the Parkinson’s Disease Association, Help for Heroes and RNLI through his love of music.

Now he has also supported Macmillan, which 
helped him with pain relief when he suffered injuries in a fall.

“He is grateful for all the care he has received,” said Sylvia, adding that Jonny was also a prostate cancer survivor.

About 250 people attended the party and although the amount raised has not yet been announced, £100 alone was handed over from the money put into Jonny’s birthday cards.

Sylvia added: “Jonny has said he would have another party when he was 100 and it would not surprise me if he did.”

Johnny was given the Hall of Fame honour in recognition of his lifetime’s achievements in the country music industry and he joins 30 other people to have been awarded the prestigious prize.

He has made several albums over the years and released EPs.

Macmillan Hartlepool representative Derek Redman described the party as “a great night”.

Macmillan relies on public donations.

To find out ways you can show your support, call Macmillan’s Hartlepool officials, Derek Redman on (01429) 299661, or George Newbury on (01429) 271890.