Justin Thomas

Young Gloves - Smile For Joel

Fundraising for Smile for Joel
£7,035
raised of £5,000 target
In memory of Joel Richards
Smile for Joel

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1175874
We are a fund raising charity to support families of murder and terrorism

Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

http://www.younggloves.co.uk/smile4joel_x264.mp4

26th June 2015 38 people were murdered in the Tunisia Terrorist Attacks, 3 people sadly from the same family.
That was Joel Richards along with his Uncle and Granddad.  They were killed on the first day of what should have been a family holiday.
I knew Joel was on holiday there and when I heard about the shootings I messaged him to see if he was OK - You never think these things are going to affect you!
How wrong was I?
I met Joel whilst studying at University of Worcester and he became a wonderful friend who I'll always remember.
I was absolutely horrified and to this day still feel like Joel was cheated out of his wonderful future which I know he would have had.
He was my dance and gymnastics partner where we managed to get A’s for our performances (I’ll never understand why with Joel’s questionable rhythm, but no one could knock his efforts and determination).
Joel had an infectious smile and personality, he would have my in hysterics every lecture and we had the best times at University. An example being in a gymnastics lesson where I was stood on Joel’s shoulders holding onto the high ropes, Joel thought it would be hilarious to move, leaving me hanging at the top of the ropes; he just stood looking up laughing at me.


Joel wanted to become a school teacher, an ambition that I have managed to pursue and I know Joel would have been excellent too, inspiring children and passing on his enthusiasm and love of life.
As well as a school teacher, I'm also a instructor for Young Gloves Karate.  
Over the past 10 years together with my dad Sensei Justin Thomas our club have managed to raise over £65,000 for local charities by conducting various events including; competitions, physical challenges, character dress-ups, donating hair, awards evenings, discos, helping Santa and many more.
2020,  with your help we aim to raise our biggest amount to date!
Our target is £5,000-£10,000 for Smile for Joel, honouring and remember all those that didn’t come home on that tragic day and helping others to deal with the loss of family members through murder.
I want Joel’s smile to continue and live on in all of us. I know that Joel will be smiling on us all now, looking at what we are all achieving because,  Together We Achieve More.

Share this story

Help Justin Thomas

Sharing this page with your friends could help raise up to 3x more in donations

You can also help by sharing this link on

About the charity

Smile for Joel

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1175874
Smile for Joel was founded by Suzanne Richards, who lost her son, brother and father in the terrorist attack in Tunisia in June 2015. This charity has been set up in their honor and in memory of all those that never came home. Funds raised go to VS to help support families effected by murder and terrorism. Our Story On 26 June 2015 Suzy's family went on holiday but her son Joel, dad Pat and brother Ade were tragically killed along with 27 other British people during a terrorist attack. Her youngest son Owen was the sole survivor and is a true inspiration. Smileforjoel has grown from strength to strength and provides very needed support to shattered/ broken families who are victims of traumatic bereavement through homicide. Suzy says “Losing three beloved members of your family to a terrorist attack is unimaginable and is something that no person should ever have to go through. Smileforjoel is a tremendous way to remember them. Through their legacy, they will bring hope to so many people’s lives. Their names will not be forgotten”. Suzy & Owen want to thank everyone for their continued support.

Donation summary

Total raised
£7,035.00
+ £85.00 Gift Aid
Online donations
£1,170.00
Offline donations
£5,865.00

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.