Family's thanks as fund in memory of Tunisia terror attack victim Joel Richards breaks through £13,000 barrier
A fund set up in memory of Tunisia terror attack victim Joel Richards has topped the £13,000 mark – prompting a thank you message from the family.
The page was set up in the wake of the death of the 19-year-old Walsall fan at the beach resort of Sousse.
Donations have seen the total rocket to almost £13,500 as people continue to donate in memory of him. The teenager, from Wednesbury, was killed alongside his uncle Adrian Evans, 49, a Sandwell Council worker from Bilston, and grandfather Patrick Evans, 78, also from Wednesbury.
His brother Owen, 16, was the sole survivor from the family. More than 500 people have so far donated at the gofundme.com/joelrichards site and a message of thanks from the family has been posted on the page, including from Joel's mother Suzy and grandmother Maureen.
It states: "Maureen, Suzy & Owen, wish to say one huge thank you for everyone's kinds words of expression and generosity at this very difficult time."
Messages have continued to be left on the page. Ruth Willetts said: "God bless you and all your family. You may have only been here for a short time, but you have left footprints – and smiles – on many hearts. Rest in Peace xx"
Danny Gratton added: "From a fellow Staffs referee. Although I never met you Joel it is clear you were a remarkable young man who has left a great legacy."
It comes as a charity football match is being organised in memory of the three victims next month. The Smile for Joel and Family game will be between Wednesbury Athletic and Walsall FC All Stars. It takes place at Red Star Alma FC, Bentley Road South, Darlaston, on September 6.
It cost £3 for adults, £1.50 for children and free for under five-year-olds.
The money will be donated to the family.
