STAFF from the University of Worcester have completed a mammoth charity challenge in memory of a former student killed in a terror attack.

The group has raised more than £15,000 for SmileForJoel, a charity set up after the death of Joel Richards.

Mr Richards died, aged just 19, in a Tunisia terror attack in 2015 along with his uncle, Adrian Evans, and grandfather, Pat Evans.

His younger brother Owen was also there but survived.

Joel was a Worcester Physical Education and Sports Coaching Science student and was a keen sportsman and talented referee.

The 100 Miles for Joel challenge saw University staff take on a variety of physical challenges, over a 24-hour period during June 8 and 9, including a 25-mile overnight walk, a 51-mile cycle, a 14-mile canoe on the River Severn, a 10-mile run and a 300m outdoor swim at the University’s Lakeside Campus, as well as a basketball challenge, archery and a 100m tractor pull.

The total now stands at £15,106 raised for SmileForJoel.

Joel’s mother Suzy Richards watched some of the events.

She said: “I think it’s absolutely lovely to think all of this was for SmileForJoel. 

“It’s so touching.  A lot of these people didn’t necessarily know Joel yet they’re still doing it. 

“I’m just amazed at just how much time and planning went into the whole event.”

She paid tribute to the University and Vice Chancellor Professor David Green’s support ever since Joel’s tragic death.

She said: “For a university to care so much and offer this support – you think they’ll be forgotten, but Joel clearly won’t be forgotten here at Worcester. 

“I just wish he was here to see this. 

“Joel would have loved the competitiveness of it. This event was such a fitting tribute and something that he would have loved to plan and get involved in.  He was so good at organising events.

“Joel was quite humble; he never realised how good he was, which is a nice quality to have, and he’d be overwhelmed that all these staff did this.” 

Teams from a number of different departments within the University took part, as well as a team from the University’s Seniors Programme – members of the public aged 60 or above who attend adapted fitness sessions – and Quanta, a training company with whom the University works.

Organiser Tom Taylor, the University’s assistant director - security and operations, said: “All teams had their own strategy for the night and day and were very much working together as teams.

“The atmosphere and competitiveness throughout the whole event was a combination of fun and a desire to compete as best you can. 

“There is no doubt this charity has touched many of those competing in different ways and has helped in bringing colleagues together.”

Rebecca Foster, PE course leader and senior lecturer for adapted PE, who taught Joel during his time at the University, took part.

She said: “I thought the atmosphere of the charity challenge was excellent and it was in the spirit of who Joel was. 

“I am sure he would’ve wanted to help organise it and be part of it.”

To sponsor the University’s team visit justgiving.com/fundraising/universityofworcester2018.

To find out more about SmileForJoel or how to help visit smileforjoel.com.