Generous response to help comedians' sons after his death

A crowdfunding campaign to help the sons of comedian Gareth Richards, who died last week after a motorway crash, has raised more than £18,000.

Almost 400 people, including dozens of fellow comedians, have donated to the JustGiving page since it was set up by his agents Mirth Control on Thursday morning.

The 41-year-old left two boys, aged 11 and 13, and the proceeds of the appeal will go into a trust fund for them.

Writing on the page, Richards' wife Laura said: ‘He was so loved by so many people and will be greatly missed but we know he is now at peace.

‘He loved the boys so much and was very proud of them. He did the best bedtime stories and loved flying kites with them. Thank you all for your support and kindness.’

A fundraising gig is also being planned by his agents Mirth Control to swell the coffers further.

Richards died on Good Friday, almost two weeks after a late-night crash on the M25 involving a lorry and another car  left him in a coma and with serious brain injuries

Laura said at the time: ‘It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive’ but told  how a scan revealed  the damage was so severe that medics decided  to remove all of the supportive medications.

Richards was best known for his stint co-hosting the Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio. It was Skinner who broke the news of the accident, telling his listeners: 'We didn’t want to do this show, without mentioning him. Many of you would have seen him live, some of you will remember on the show, if you’ve been with us that long. He is a fantastic bloke.’

And this weekend, Skinner paid an emotional and tearful tribute to his 'kind, gentle, funny, fascinating’ friend, adding: ‘We will miss him intensely.’

Published: 14 Apr 2023