A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student who was murdered in the Tunisia terror attacks almost three years ago will be remembered in one of the toughest charity challenges ever undertaken by university staff and students.
Staff will tackle the 100 Miles for Joel challenge this weekend in memory of Joel Richards, the 19-year-old who was among those murdered in 2015 attacks, along with his uncle Adrian Evans and grandfather Pat Evans.
The challenge, which runs from Friday into Saturday includes a 25-mile walk overnight, a 51-mile cycle, a 14-mile canoe on the River Severn, a 10-mile run and a 300m outdoor swim, as well as a basketball challenge, archery and a tractor pull.
Participants will be raising funds for SmileForJoel, a registered charity set up by Joel’s mother and brother Owen, who is in the first year of a Sports Studies degree at the university
“It’s amazing. Just the task itself, physically and mentally. It gives a real message of how much SmileForJoel means to people here that they want to put their bodies and minds through all of that. It’s inspiring for us they’re willing to do all that in Joel’s memory and that of Ade and my grandad.
“Joel loved sport and anyone who knew him would know it’s exactly the kind of thing he would have got involved in. Obviously he’s not here to do it and that’s heartbreaking for us as a family.”
Teams, supported by more than 30 staff and student volunteers, including those at the University’s Lakeside campus, will be competing to see who can complete the challenge in the shortest time and there will be time penalties for not finishing an event.
The challenge, taking place at University of Worcester venues, but also on routes around Worcestershire and Shropshire, was designed to reflect Physical Education and Sports Coaching Science student Joel’s interest in numerous sports.
“We wanted to do a challenge that covered some of Joel’s sporting activities and the learning he was doing here,” said organiser Tom Taylor, the University’s assistant director for security and operations.
“Sport was what Joel was involved in, that was his passion, so it seemed fitting. I think the cause is a big one for those involved. It is a good cause and people recognise the link to Joel. It’s also an opportunity to get a team together and do something positive.”
There will be teams from a number of different departments within the University, as well as a team from the University’s Seniors Programme – members of the public aged 60 or above who attend adapted fitness sessions and Quanta, a training company with whom the University works.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/universityofworcester2018 to sponsor the university team.
For more on SmileForJoel visit www.simleforjoel.com .
