The mother of a 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 MBE, 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.
19-year-old Joel was a much-loved student at the 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.
On this latest, dual award from the University Suzanne said: “It’s such an honour to receive an Honorary Degree and Honorary Fellowship from the University.”
“It came as a complete shock,” said Miss Richards, describing the moment she learned of her award. “I received the letter and as I read it, I realised I had been chosen, and I was so surprised.”
She added: “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.”
To be awarded both an Honorary Doctorate and an Honorary Fellowship is a rare distinction and symbolises the close relationship between the University, Suzanne and Owen who is currently back at the University studying for his Post Graduate Certificate in Education and to earn Qualified Teacher Status.
In the autumn of 2025, shortly after the 10th anniversary of Joel’s death, Suzanne, Owen and the University created the Joel Richards Scholarship Fund which
will support University of Worcester students in gaining national qualifications in areas such as coaching, refereeing, tutoring, first aid and other valuable areas in which Joel had a strong interest.
Suzanne said: “The first time I attended a graduation in Worcester Cathedral, I was collecting Joel’s degree posthumously.”
She added: “The second visit was to celebrate Owen receiving his degree, and the third visit will be special for a different reason, as I am there to receive my own award, so me, Joel and my son Owen will have all received our awards from the University of Worcester.”
Suzanne learnt of her awards shortly before Christmas. She said: “The letter arrived during the 10th anniversary of when Joel died, and that felt very poignant. We’d done so much last year, with launching the scholarship and so much more, so it felt like it ended a big year for Smile for Joel.”
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 CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “Suzanne has become a close and cherished member of our university community. We are honoured to present this recognition to her.”
Professor Green added: “A Fellowship and an Honorary degree, awarded together, are the highest honours that a university can confer. Suzanne Richards thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
“The University of Worcester, which was founded to win the peace through education, has strong values of service, community and helping others,” continued Professor Green. “Suzanne’s courage, commitment, and dedication to supporting and serving others profoundly expresses these values. We look forward to welcoming Suzanne back to Worcester Cathedral to receive her Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Fellowship alongside our marvellous graduates, who will receive their own very well-deserved degrees on the same day.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]