Express & Star

Suzy Evans named region's Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year

A mother who lost her son, brother and father in the Tunisia terror attack and has since set up a charity in their memory has been named the West Midlands Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year.

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Suzy Evans and Owen Richards

Suzy Evans lost her son Joel Richards, brother Adrian Evans and father Patrick Evans in the beach attack near Sousse in 2015.

Only Suzy’s youngest son Owen, who was 16 at the time, came back.

Suzy and Owen launched the Smile for Joel charity in the wake of the tragedy which has supported more than 600 families affected by homicide.

It has raised more than £200,000 since its inception and in November 2017 became a registered charity.

Left to right: Patrick Evans, Joel Richards and Adrian Evans all died in the Tunisia terror attack

Smile for Joel’s first ever fun run in September 2016 raised £27,000 – while their latest Colour Blast Run in September raised more than £10,000.

In January this year, Suzy was named the Fundraiser of the Year in the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards.

And earlier this month, Suzy was named the West Midlands Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year.

The Run for Joel Colour Blast was held in August

Suzy said: "Receiving this award was amazing, I was so surprised and very emotional.

"I personally feel the heartache and loss Owen and I feel everyday is mirrored across the community – and is truly shown in the growth and support of Smile For Joel.

"We are your local charity that provides national support and have now reached out and supported over 600 bereaved families who have lost a loved one to murder.

"We also wish to pursue our campaign to raise awareness to holiday safety abroad."

She added: "My son Joel, dad and brother were the most amazing and inspirational people, as were all those taken that day, so this award is for all of them.

"I also want to share this award with Owen, he is remarkable an example for us all on how to live life to the full and not give up.

"Lastly a big thank you to everyone who helps me run Smile For Joel my family, friends and trustees and our community."

Suzy and Owen are due to attend the Pride of Britain Awards in London later this month, where one of the regional Fundraiser of the Year winners will claim the national award.

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