Mum to receive dual awards for charity work following loss of son
Suzanne Richards MBE is to be honoured at the University of Worcester for founding Smile for Joel charity
Suzanne Richards MBE will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate and Honorary Fellowship from the University of Worcester at the upcoming March graduation ceremony, recognizing her contributions to charity work following personal tragedy.
Richards founded Smile for Joel after her son Joel Richards was killed in the 2015 Sousse terrorist attack while on a family holiday. Joel, a 19-year-old student at the University, died alongside his grandfather and uncle, while Suzanne's younger son Owen survived the attack despite being injured.
Smile for Joel has raised significant funds to assist families impacted by similar tragedies and aims to improve awareness about safety abroad.
Richards previously received an MBE from the King's 2023 birthday honors in recognition of her inspirational charity work.
Upon learning of the recent recognition from the University of Worcester, Richards expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s such an honor to receive an Honorary Degree and Honorary Fellowship from the University.”
Regarding her reaction to the awards, she said, “It came as a complete shock. I received the letter and as I read it, I realized 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.”
Suzanne Richards' partnership with the University has led to initiatives like the Joel Richards Scholarship Fund, supporting students pursuing national qualifications in fields Joel was passionate about.
Suzanne reflected on her connection with the University, sharing, “The first time I attended a graduation in Worcester Cathedral, I was collecting Joel’s degree posthumously. 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.”
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, emphasized her contributions, saying, “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.”