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Tunisia terror attacks: Survivor Owen Richards is honoured by Walsall FC

A teenager who survived the terror attacks in Tunisia has been honoured by the football club he loves.

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Owen Richards was handed the inaugural Pride of Walsall FC Award at a club ceremony over the weekend.

The 16-year-old's brother Joel, uncle Adrian and grandfather Patrick were killed in Sousse last June.

Owen and his mother Suzy launched the 'Smile for Joel' charity earlier this month, which will work with Victim Support to help other families who have experienced traumatic bereavement like they did.

Ms Richards said her son was delighted — and surprised — by the award.

She told the Express and Star: "We were delighted. We all love Walsall and it's lovely they did this for Owen.

"They have looked after us all season and are still looking after us, which is so touching.

"They've been absolute fantastic and so supportive.

"I can't thank them enough for what they've done for the family — they're actually like an extended family for us."

The awards ceremony was held after the club narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the Championship.

Despite a thumping 5-0 win on the final day Walsall finished third — just a point behind Burton Albion, and will now face a play-off campaign.

Club secretary and director Daniel Mole said: "We decided Owen deserved this award for all he's been through in the past 12 months and the strength and courage he's shown.

"He has a massive affiliation with Walsall FC and his story is own that has touched everybody at the football club.

"What Owen, Suzy and the rest of their family have been through is incomprehensible.

"But we've seen the unity and strength being part of the Walsall family has given to them.

"We felt we should honour Owen for the bravery he's shown — not just at the time but also in the course of the next 10 months since the tragedy."

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