The Inspiration behind John’s ‘Create a Crossword’ for charity
Celebrity Create a Crossword - aiming to raise a £1,000,000 for charity in honour of John Halpern’s late brother, Paul
On April 30th 1989, John Halpern lost his brother Paul in a car accident. It was Paul’s 27th birthday.
Paul was warm-hearted, funny and hard-working - and John’s best friend.
John was 21 at the time, and looking to begin a career in something he loved. After the loss of his brother, and with Paul’s dreams no longer possible, John became more determined than ever to fulfil his own.
Years of practising, mornings until late into the night, proved enough. Under the pseudonym “Paul” his first Guardian crossword was published - at the age of 27.
That was 25 years ago, and to this day it gives John pleasure to see his beloved brother’s name in print.
John has already raised about £40,000 through marathons, sponsored walks and other events, and Create a Crossword for Charity is his latest venture.
Thank you all so much for being a part of this.