THE MOTHER of a Worcester student who died in a terrorist attack before he could complete his studies is to be awarded both an Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Fellowship from her son’s university.
Suzanne Richards, mother of Joel Richards, will receive her awards at this March’s graduation ceremony for her inspirational work in creating the Smile for Joel charity, which supports families affected by murder and terrorism.
Nineteen year-old Joel was a much-loved student at Worcester University when he was murdered in the Sousse massacre in 2015 while on a family holiday. His grandfather Pat and uncle Adrian were also killed in the attack, while his younger brother Owen, who was 16 at the time, was wounded but survived. At the inquest into the deaths of the 30 Britons who were killed in the massacre, the coroner found that Owen had behaved with extraordinary courage.
Suzanne and Owen have since set up the charity Smile for Joel and Owen went on to study at the university, graduating in 2021.
Smile for Joel has raised many tens of thousands of pounds to support families who are victims of terrorism and murder and also works to raise awareness of safety abroad.
Suzanne’s work in founding and developing the work of Smile for Joel has led to many accolades including being named Pride of Britain.
In 2023 Suzanne’s work was recognised by the award of the MBE in His Majesty The King’s first birthday honours.
Suzanne said: “It’s such an honour to receive an Honorary Degree and Honorary Fellowship from the university.
“It came as a complete shock. I received the letter and as I read it, I realised I had been chosen, and I was so surprised.
“I read the letter and it outlined how I had been selected because of the way I had dealt with such loss, and coming through the other side of it and setting up the charity. I just do what I do to help people and raise awareness.”
Suzanne will receive her award on the same day as almost 700 invited graduands from disciplines including nursing and midwifery, sports coaching and exercise science, law, business, law, business and other disciplines.
Professor David Green, vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of Worcester, added: “Suzanne has become a close and cherished member of our university community. We are honoured to present this recognition to her.
“A Fellowship and an Honorary degree, awarded together, are the highest honours that a university can confer. Suzanne Richards thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
