Woman bereaved in Tunisia attacks receives MBE

Suzanne Richards was honoured for services to people bereaved by homicide

A campaigner who lost her dad, brother and son in the Tunisia attacks has been presented with her MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Suzanne Richards, from Wednesbury, West Midlands, received her medal from the Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony on Wednesday.

The 54-year-old was named in the King's Birthday Honours list last year for her work with the Smile for Joel charity.

She set it up after family members Charles Evans, 78, Adrian Evans, 49, and Joel Richards, 19, were killed by a gunman in Port El Kantaoui near Sousse on 26 June 2015.

"People say time is a great healer but it's not. I think time just gives you strength to try and deal with those good days and bad days,” Ms Richards said.

"My dad, brother and Joel would be absolutely ecstatic to see what I've won but I would change it all today if I could and have them back here.”

Ms Richards attended the ceremony with her 24-year-old son Owen, who survived the attack, and said Princess Anne knew all about the charity

“She knew all about what happened in Tunisia and the work that we're doing, which was lovely," she told PA Media.

Suzanne Richards attended the ceremony with her son Owen

She also spoke to the princess about her campaign to raise awareness of holiday safety and that she still wanted to see more of the world.

"We lost so much that day, I'm still determined to travel and so is Owen to see the world,” she added.

Ms Richards was appointed an MBE for services to people bereaved by homicide, having set up Smile for Joel to support families who were victims of terrorism and murder.

It was named in memory of her son Joel, who was a physical education and sports coaching science student at the University of Worcester.

Charles Evans, Adrian Evans and Joel Richards were killed in the 2015 attack

Her son added it was an “incredibly proud” moment for him to see his mum receive her award.

"My mum is inspiring and fantastic and she really deserves this,” he added.