Held in the arena’s conference suite, named in Joel’s honour, the evening will feature reflections on ‘Walking the Camino’ from University Vice Chancellor Professor David Green.
He recently completed the 280 km from Porto to Santiago de Compostela along the world-famous ‘Portuguese Camino’ to raise funds for student scholarships and hardship support.
At the event, from 7:30 pm on Thursday 6th November, he will share stories from his 14-day journey, including the motivations behind the walk, the people he met and the fascinating experiences he had along the way.
Joel, from Wednesbury, was a football referee and studying at the University of Worcester when, at just 19 he became the youngest victim of the Tunisia beach massacre in 2015 – his uncle and grandfather were also murdered.
In the months following the attack, Joel’s mother Suzanne established the charity Smile for Joel, alongside his brother Owen, who was himself wounded in the attack and was described by the coroner as having behaved with “extraordinary courage”.
It has raised many thousands of pounds to support families who are victims of terrorism and murder, and Suzanne’s inspiring work has led to her being awarded an MBE and a Pride of Britain award.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the newly established Joel Richards Scholarship Fund, which will support University of Worcester students in gaining national qualifications in such areas as coaching, refereeing, tutoring, first aid and other valuable areas.
Suzanne Richards said: “Joel dedicated his life to helping others through sport. Knowing that this scholarship fund will carry on his spirit fills us with pride and gratitude.”
“Owen and I are truly honoured that the University of Worcester continues to keep his memory alive.”
Owen subsequently studied at and graduated from the univeristy and has recently returned to train as a teacher on the Post Graduate Certificate in Education course.
The fund will also support students in need from Joel’s former schools, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury, who go on to study at the University of Worcester.
Guests will be treated to churros with a hot chocolate dip, a classic sweet snack from Spain, in tribute to the Camino journey.
Tickets are complimentary, with a suggested minimum donation of £25, which can be gift-aided to help raise as much as possible for the scholarship fund in Joel’s memory.
To book your place, please email rsvp@worc.ac.uk or visit Worcester.ac.uk/events