Tunisia terror attack: Pain won't go away for Joel Richards' mother
A Black Country mother whose son, brother and father were killed in the beach terror attack in Tunisia has revealed her continuing grief, one year on from the tragedy.
Suzy Richards, of Wednesbury, lost her 19-year-old son Joel, brother Adrian Evans, 49, and father Patrick Evans, 78, in the horror killings in Sousse on June 26, 2015.
Joel's younger brother Owen, now 17, who was also on the holiday with his fellow Walsall FC fans, survived the attack.
To mark the one-year anniversary of the massacre yesterday, Miss Richards has penned a heartfelt statement which paints a stark picture of the impact the fateful day has had on her family.
In it she says that 'words fail to express the pain and the loss we feel every day, and time will not take that pain away'.
Miss Richards has also released new photographs of her loved ones to the Express & Star to mark the date.
The intensely emotional piece shows just how much her world changed one year ago, with the actions of a crazed individual.
Miss Richards' poignant statement reads:
"One year today 38 innocent, beautiful people were murdered, robbed of their lives for nothing but a twisted belief that 'my god is better'.
"Words fail to express the pain and the loss we feel every day, and time will not take that pain away. That day I lost my son of just 19, my dad, and my only brother.
"Owen lost his only brother, his grandad, and uncle.
"My mom lost her husband, her only son and her grandson.
"I've learned that the world is not a beautiful place, but there are some beautiful people.
"I've learned that life is very hard and that death does not choose fairly.
"I've learned that all the tears and prayers to God will not bring them back – I know, I've tried. But what I have yet to learn is how I'm going to live my life without them – my beautiful son, dad and brother.
"On behalf of my family, we would like to thank everyone who has stood by our side and for their continued love and support."
Joel, a University of Worcester student and talented football referee, was the youngest of the British victims killed by gunman Seifeddine Rezgui.
Birmingham County FA officials have since said they believed the teenager was destined to go to the very top of refereeing and would have officiated games in the Premier League.
Joel was among only a handful of young referees to be fast-tracked to Level 4 status. Adrian had worked at Sandwell Council as an apprentice since 1983.
Patrick was described as Joel's biggest fan and would follow the teenager around in support of his blossoming refereeing career.
Patrick, Adrian, Joel and Owen had travelled to Tunisia for a family lads' break.
But three of them were murdered within 24 hours of arriving at their beach resort, with Joel's now 17-year-old brother Owen the only survivor of the family trip.
The triple loss has left a gaping hole in the middle of this very close family group.
In order to keep their lost loves ones' names alive, Miss Richards and Owen have since launched the Smile for Joel in memory of Joel, Adrian and Patrick – and all those that never came home. The charity will support others who have lost family members in a similar manner to themselves.
This will work with Victim Support to help families who have become victims of traumatic bereavement, particularly through murder.
"We decided to call it Smile for Joel because Joel was the youngest victim and I want to keep all their names alive.
"I want to make a difference for others for them.
"They were three of the nicest, most caring guys you could ever meet and would do anything for anybody. I want their names to be part of helping others.
"They were just three everyday guys who went on holiday who were sat there one minute and then they were murdered the next."
Anyone who wants to raise cash for the charity is asked to email smileforjoel@aol.com
