A special event at the University of Worcester has raised thousands for a new scholarship fund dedicated to the memory of former student Joel Richards.
Held in the University’s conference suite, named in Joel’s honour, the evening included a special address by his mother, Suzanne Richards MBE and has already raised more than £2,000
The evening featured reflections on ‘Walking the Camino’ from the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green CBE DL, who recently completed the 280 km walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, along the world-famous ‘Portuguese Camino’ to raise funds for student scholarships and hardship support.
Worcester student Summer Green, no relation to Vice Chancellor David Green, also spoke at the event after she was made the UK’s only ambassador to the Camino.
Joel was a much-loved member of the University community when, at just 19, he became the youngest victim of the Sousse massacre in 2015, in which his uncle and grandfather were also murdered.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the newly established Joel Richards Scholarship Fund, which will support University of Worcester students in gaining national qualifications in such areas as coaching, refereeing, tutoring, first aid, and other valuable areas, focussing on those in which Joel had a strong interest.
The fund will also support students in need from Joel’s former schools, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School, and Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury, who go on to study at the University of Worcester.
Professor David Green said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported the creation of the Joel Richards Scholarship Fund.”
“The launch evening was a great success, with an inspiring address from Suzanne Richards MBE and a marvellous contribution from student Summer Green, the UK’s first ambassador to the Camino.”
He continued: “It was a pleasure to share the experience of walking the Camino and to answer so many questions, all expertly compered by University colleague Justyn Surrall.”
He added: “Thank you to everyone involved, and Buen Camino!”
If you’d like to donate to the Joel Richard’s Scholarship Fund, the easiest way is to do so via Just Giving.