Latest news with #MoiraRun
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dad of tragic Moira Jones who was killed in brutal murder that shocked Scotland dies
The pensioner campaigned to help bereaved families alongside his wife and Moira's mother, Bea 'LOVED AND RESPECTED' Dad of tragic Moira Jones who was killed in brutal murder that shocked Scotland dies Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE heartbroken father of a woman who was killed in one of Scotland's most shocking murders has died. Hu Jones' daughter Moira, 40, was raped and battered to death at Queen's Park, Glasgow, in May 2008. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Hu Jones, the father of murder victim Moira Jones, has died Credit: The Moira Fund 4 Moira was killed in Queen's Park in May 2008 after she was abducted Credit: Glasgow Films 4 Moira's parents Bea and Hu campaigned tirelessly for bereaved families Credit: The Moira Fund 4 The devoted couple hosted the annual Moira Run 5k in Queen's Park Credit: Robert Perry 2023 The horrific murder sparked a major police probe and an international manhunt. Hu, a former maths teacher, sadly passed away aged 87 on April 16. The pensioner campaigned to help bereaved families alongside his wife and Moira's mother, Bea. Bea told the Glasgow Times: "For 61 years, Hu was my rock. Loving, caring, always there. "I will miss him desperately, I know, and so will the many who knew him. "He was a hugely supportive, wonderful dad and father-in-law, a much-loved uncle and brother-in-law, a staunch friend and he cared deeply about all he met. He listened, he shared, he understood." Moira was murdered in Queen's Park after being abducted near her home by Slovakian national, Marek Harcar. The evil beast sexually assaulted and beat the businesswoman to death. After the murder, Harcar fled to the Czech Republic and then Slovakia. DNA obtained from a flat where he had been staying linked him to the savage crime and a European arrest warrant was issued. Moment rampaging yobs trash Scots pub and drink from beer taps in late-night carnage Harcar was later extradited to the UK and in 2009 he was caged for at least 25 years after being found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow. Bea and Hu later launched The Moira Fund in memory of their beloved daughter. The charity offers financial support and counselling for people who have been bereaved by murder and violent death. The couple have frequently returned to Queen's Park to host the Moira Run, a 5k run that has become a popular annual event. A statement from The Moira Fund read: "Hu died suddenly on 16th April aged 85. "He was a devoted husband of Bea, a loving father to Grant and the late Moira, and father-in-law to Sharon and a full member of the wider family both north and south of the border. "He was a dedicated maths teacher and Deputy Head for 45 years and then co-founder and stalwart of The Moira Fund. "He and Bea lived in Weston for nearly 60 years where he was an active member of the village community, widely loved and respected." Hu's funeral will be held at St. Andrew's Church in Weston, Staffordshire, on May 9. Donations can be made to The Moira Fund here.
Glasgow Times
05-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Devoted father of Glasgow murder victim Moira Jones sadly dies
Hu Jones, whose daughter Moira was raped and killed in Queen's Park in 2008, died suddenly on April 16, aged 87. His wife, Bea, told the Glasgow Times: "For 61 years, Hu was my rock, loving, caring, always there. I will miss him desperately, I know, and so will the many who knew him." Hu and Bea with daughter Moira (Image: Courtesy of Bea Jones) "He was a hugely supportive, wonderful dad and father-in-law, a much-loved uncle and brother-in-law, a staunch friend and he cared deeply about all he met. He listened, he shared, he understood. "They don't come along that often, folks like Hu." Hu and Bea Jones (Image: Courtesy of Bea Jones) The Moira Fund, a pioneering charity set up by Hu and Bea to support victims, shared the newsof Hu's death 'with deep sadness' and added: 'After Moira's tragic murder, Hu dedicated his time to supporting Bea and to the development and growth of The Moira Fund. Moira Jones (Image: Courtesy of Bea Jones) 'His steadfast commitment helped turn grief into meaningful action, ensuring that those facing unimaginable loss had somewhere to turn for comfort and support. His compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication shaped The Moira Fund into what it is today—a beacon of hope and kindness.' Businesswoman Moira was parking her car outside her flat, which overlooked Queen's Park, when she was attacked. The 40-year-old's murder, by a Slovakian national who was later discovered to have a history of crime, shocked the city, who rallied to support Moira's parents and brother Grant. Hu Jones, right, with daughter-in-law Sharon, son Grant, and wife Bea. (Image: Newsquest) Hu, a retired maths teacher, and Bea set up The Moira Fund, which provides financial support and counselling for people who have been bereaved by murder and violent death. Bea and Hu Jones (Image: Newsquest) It has helped more than 5000 people, and awarded grants to the value of almost half a million pounds. The couple were instrumental in the establishment of Scotland's national homicide support service. Eleven years ago, the charity launched the Moira Run, a 5K in Queen's Park that has become a popular community event attracting hundreds of people each year. The annual run in Moira's memory in Queen's Park (Image: Newsquest) Glasgow actor and writer Elaine C Smith is a long-time supporter of the event. READ NEXT: 'My sister pushed for cancer test, without her I might not be here' READ NEXT: Charity helping pupils from different faiths work together The charity added: 'Moira's legacy, built through Hu and Bea's unwavering love and dedication, will continue to bring comfort and support to those who need it most. His work has touched countless lives, and his impact will continue to be felt by those the charity helps.' Hu and Bea laying flowers in Queen's Park (Image: Newsquest) In Hu's obituary in our sister newspaper The Herald, Karyn McCluskey, chief executive of Community Justice Scotland, said: 'Bea was often the public face of the Moira Fund – warm, articulate, deeply committed – but Hu was the foundation: steady, organised, thoughtful, always present. 'A man with a twinkle in his eye and a heart big enough to hold the sorrow of others alongside his own, he listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, it mattered. He challenged injustice, questioned complacency, and never let anyone feel unseen.' She added: 'Hu and Bea chose not to let despair have the final word. Out of their unimaginable grief, they created The Moira Fund, a charity dedicated to supporting families who have lost loved ones to murder and culpable homicide. It was an act of pure courage, to take pain and forge from it something enduring and meaningful.' Hu's funeral will take place on May 9 in Weston, Staffordshire, where he and Bea have lived for 60 years. Donations can be made to
