University raises £27k for charity in memory of former student Joel Richards
Staff and students at a university attended by a Black Country teenager killed in the Tunisia terror attacks have raised more than £27,000 for a charity in his memory.
The University of Worcester has raised £27,194 for the Smile for Joel charity – launched in memory of 19-year-old Joel Richards from Wednesbury.
Talented football referee Joel, his uncle Adrian Evans and grandfather Patrick Evans died in the beach attack, near Sousse, in June 2015.
Joel's younger brother, Owen, who was only 16 years old at the time, was the only family member to survive.
Joel’s mother Suzy Evans, along with Owen, have since set up the charity Smile for Joel in memory of their loved ones to support other families who are victims of murder or terrorism. Since the charity’s inception, Smile for Joel has raised more than £200,000 and last year alone supported more than 500 families affected by homicide.
The university had chosen Smile for Joel as their charity of the year for 2018. The majority of the funds were raised during the university's 100 Miles for Joel challenge last summer, which raised more than £16,000. It saw staff take on a variety of physical tests including a 25-mile overnight walk, a 51-mile cycle, a 14-mile canoe on the River Severn, a 10-mile run, swimming and a tractor pull – adding up to 100 miles over a 24-hour period.
Other fundraising events over the year including a Christmas craft fair, plant sales, a car boot sale, craft evenings and a quiz night.
Suzy said: “Worcester University feel like our extended family and we were overwhelmed with the total presented. Owen and I feel that this amount just reflects just how much Joel was loved and missed. Owen now studies there and the continued support shown to Owen and I and Smile for Joel is above and beyond anything we imagined.
“Not only this, Worcester University renamed their conference suite The Joel Richards Conference Suite. Joel will never be forgotten. Thank you to Professor David Green and everyone involved, staff and students. This is our biggest donation ever.”
Professor David Green CBE, vice chancellor at the university, said: "Joel Richards was a truly talented, much loved student at Worcester. Known for his ability to give leadership with a smile, his loss in the terrible massacre in Sousse broke our hearts.
"Since that terrible day it has been privilege to get to know two of the best people imaginable – his mother Suzy and his brother Owen, who is now himself in his second year at the university and is one of our top student ambassadors. The Smile for Joel charity they have created is just amazing.
"I’m so proud of the hard work that staff at the university have put into raising such a terrific total, which will do so much good for those whose lives have been shattered by the violent death of a loved one. From cake sales, to crafting, to a physical challenge that pushed many to the limit, so many people have played their part in raising this £27,000.
"This charity is so close to the hearts of so many here at the university. Joel’s inspiration lives on and we are so proud that Suzy and Owen have become such a vital part of our university family and true Black Country legends of whom we can all be proud.”
