WORCESTER Wolves next match is to become a fundraising event in memory of a University of Worcester student who died in a terrorist attack last year.

The basketball team’s next fixture against Newcastle Eagles this Friday, (October 28), is set to feature a silent auction, a raffle and a collection.

All the money raised is being donated to SmileforJoel - a charity set up by the mother and brother of Joel Richards.

Mr Richards was just 19 years old when he tragically died alongside his uncle Adrian Evans, and grandfather Pat Evans on a beach in Sousse, Tunisia in June 2015.

Mr Richards was a talented football referee and was studying physical education and sports coaching science at the university prior to his death.

The gun attack in June 2015 by Seifeddine Rezgui left 38 people dead, most of them British tourists - and Mr Richards was sadly the youngest victim in the attack.

The charity was set up with the help of the Victim Support charity, which works to support people affected by crime and traumatic events, to ensure they get the support they need.

The Joel Richards Conference and Media Suite at the University of Worcester Arena overlooks the court Wolves play on, while some of Joel’s friends have been players for Wolves’ second team in the past.

The Newcastle Eagles are also supporting the event, with the club donating a signed Eagle shirt for the raffle.

Mick Donovan, Worcester Wolves director and deputy pro vice chancellor for inclusive sport at the University, said: “We have received fantastic support from our main professional Worcester sports clubs and key businesses in the form of donations for prizes for the raffle and auction, and the response has been overwhelming.

“We do hope that as many people as possible will donate generously to this most worthwhile cause which is close to the hearts of so many of us at the University of Worcester and Worcester Wolves.”

Since the tragedy various fundraisers have been held to raise money for the charity including fundraising runs, fetes and charity matches.

There were hundreds of participants in the first Run for Joel event, held in Sandwell on Sunday, September 11, close to what would have been his 21st birthday.

More than £27,000 was raised for the charity from the event.

Anyone unable to attend the basketball match, but who would like to make a donation, can visit the SmileforJoel justgiving website justgiving.com/fundraising/Suzy-Evans4.