Tributes have been paid to Martin Richards, a man at the heart of the Long Melford and Sudbury communities who was committed to saving lives.
Mr Richards leaves behind countless friends, many of them part of the ‘green family’, how the responders are known because of the colour of their jackets, of which Martin was a valued member.
He joined the Sudbury Community First Responders in 2005, after a career as a regulatory consultant in chemical hazard communication.
“Martin had been a certified first aid trainer for about 50 years, but he wanted to do more,” explained his friend and colleague, Gary Drury.
Martin was highly respected as a community first responder for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST). After a few years, he became the Sudbury group’s co-ordinator, as well as a designated trainer, sharing his wealth of experience and teaching his colleagues the skills that would help them save countless lives.
This was Martin’s passion, and he was involved in many causes and groups within the community.
His own charity, Gryphon First Aid Unit, provided first aid training and coverage at local and countywide events.
He also had a significant role in ensuring that defibrillators could be accessed quickly and easily in Sudbury, Long Melford, Great Cornard, and the surrounding parishes.
Martin had also previously volunteered for the Scouts and the Royal British Legion.
Many will remember him from the years he served as parade marshall at Long Melford Remembrance parades.
“Martin was one for helping to promote and enthuse a new generation, whatever they chose to do,” said Gary.
“It was an honour and privilege to say that I had known him for a substantial portion of that period.”
As a friend, Gary said that Martin was a kind, humble man who loved a joke, and for whom nothing was too much trouble.
He said a phrase which many would have heard from Martin was “no bother”, for he was willing to give anyone a chance.
“Whether they were struggling, or perhaps they had learning difficulties, he would always be there to help,” said Gary.
“He’d just say, ‘We’ve got this – no bother.’”
Gary continued: “I feel incredibly honoured to have stood by Martin on numerous occasions to represent EEAST and Gryphon First Aid. Our behind-the-scenes interactions will be missed.”
Mr Richards, who lived in Sudbury and worked in Long Melford, died at home from a cardiac arrest at the age of 71, on October 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
His friends and colleagues at the Sudbury Community First Responders are hoping to raise enough funds to dedicate a bench in Long Melford to Martin’s memory.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inmemoryofmartinrichards
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