Owen Richards presented with community award
A teenager at the centre of a charity which helps victims of terrorism launched after the Tunisia terror attack that killed his brother, uncle and grandfather has been presented with an award.
Owen Richards, 18, was handed the Outstanding Young Person's Award for his work with Smile For Joel, the charity set up in memory of his brother Joel, uncle Adrian Evans and grandfather Pat Evans who were on holiday together when tragedy struck.
Student Owen travelled from Worcester where he is studying sport at the city's university, also attended by Joel, for the ceremony at Wednesbury Town Hall.
He survived the resort attack in 2015, when he was just 16, and was later praised by a coroner for his bravery in trying to help his grandfather to escape terrorist Seifeddine Rezgui who, armed with a Kalashnikov, chased the family through their hotel in Sousse. The attack claimed the lives of 38 holidaymakers.
Owen's mother Suzy Richards said her son was the main force behind the Smile For Joel fundraising charity despite his busy university, sporting and refereeing commitments.
She said: "After the horror he has seen and been through, I don't know how he does it. I'm very proud of him. He gives us all a reason to carry on.
"He hasn't let what happened stop him from from getting on with his life, and being an active supporter of Smile for Joel. He does it for his brother, it's a great incentive for him."
Almost 850 runners entered the charity's flagship event, the Run for Joel fun run, at Sandwell Valley Country Park in September, raising more than £12,000. Other families who lost relatives in Tunisia, as well as some who survived, also took part in the event in a poignant reunion.
Smile For Joel raises money for Victim Support which supports all UK families who become victims of murder and terrorism. It was the second time Run for Joel had been held after £27,000 was raised in 2016.
The Wednesbury Community Awards ceremony also saw presentations for outstanding volunteer, good neighbour, community project, partnership working, community organization and a special community award.
The main focus of the evening were tributes to the late Richard Eades, former Baggie Bird and community stalwart. Sandwell councillor Elaine Costigan described him as 'a special kind of guy'.
Mr Eades ran and set up the local boys brigade and helped set it up, and also campaigned for Smile For Joel.
