Sudbury and Long Melford first responder and campaigner Martin Richards remembered for life-saving legacy

Tributes have been paid to a long-serving first responder and campaigner, who is remembered for his life-saving impact on communities in south Suffolk.

The death of Martin Richards – a leading figure in the drive to improve access and knowledge to first aid in Sudbury and Long Melford – was announced last month.

For more than a decade, Mr Richards was a familiar face at public events across the Sudbury area, providing first response duties alongside his wife, Janis, as principal of the Gryphon First Aid charity.

In recent years, Mr Richards played a key role in the community-led drive to increase the number of 24/7 defibrillators in both Sudbury and Long Melford, while providing public training on how to use the life-saving equipment.

Over the summer, he received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal – a special commemorative accolade for front-line emergency workers – in recognition of his voluntary work with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust.

Andy Read, who worked closely with Mr Richards on the ongoing Sudbury Defibrillator Campaign, told Suffolk News: “Sudbury is privileged to have had Martin working tirelessly to deliver first aid and first aid training.

“One day, he could be treating a minor injury at a local fete or sports event and the next day saving someone’s life.

“He was an amazing man who did so much for so many in Sudbury and the surrounding area, including setting up a charity that supplied many of our defibrillators.”

The Royal Air Force veteran, who served four years as a gunner at RAF Honington was also heavily involved in the Long Melford branch of the Royal British Legion.

In addition to a spell as branch secretary, he also served as a parade marshal during the village’s Remembrance Day commemorations.

John Nunn, Long Melford parish councillor and president of the Royal British Legion branch, added: “Martin helped Long Melford in so many ways.

“He helped immensely as a committee member with our village defibrillator project.

“Without him, it would have been difficult to have achieved a total of 13 defibrillators in Long Melford.

“He was a very active first responder, helping to save many lives in our area.

“He attended numerous local events with Janis, providing essential first aid cover.

“Martin also acted as parade marshal for Long Melford’s Remembrance Day parade and did so much for the Royal British Legion.”