The Kevin Richards Foundation offers weekly support for grieving relatives, as well as a home cooked meal, fitness classes, computer sessions and an opportunity to meet other people who have experienced a similar loss.
It was set up by Alf and Beverly Richards in memory of their late son, and operates every Friday at the Baptist Church Hall in Hilldrop Road.
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, said: “To lose someone so young and vibrant is a terrible tragedy, but what is being done here is a great credit to the family.
“Support for bereavement is so important, but it is often only there immediately following the loss. I know that it is often much needed months, or even years later, which is why this centre offers such a lot to our community.
“I am happy to lend my support to this centre in my constituency, and wish them good luck.”
Kevin Richards died in April last year at the age of 33 following a motorbike accident as he was practising for The Knowledge. He also helped coach youth football teams near his home in Leytonstone, and supported young musicians from Potential Productionz in Finsbury Park.
The foundation has been running for just six month, and has already acquired a total of 20 regular members, with membership still growing. Mr Richards said: “After the funeral, Beverly said she needed to do something. Now we have opened this centre we want to go further, to help more people from all communities.
“We attract everyone from young children with their families during school holidays to some people in their 80s.”
The centre also provides sessions for members, and also celebrates birthdays among group members.
Written source: http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/health_2_4371/holloway_bereavement_centre_opens_in_memory_of_late_son_kevin_1_768492
