Tribute: Miles Richardson MBE

It is with great sadness that the family of Miles Richardson announce his death at the age of 62.

Miles was born in Bristol, the firstborn son of Jane and Tony Richardson. From 1974 to 1975 the family spent a year living in Palo Alto, California, where Miles attended the local junior high school and enrolled in a local soccer team. Miles also embraced baseball, basketball and American football whilst living in the States. Additionally, he was a keen tennis player.

Back in the UK in 1975, Miles returned to Gillotts School in Henley and South Oxfordshire Technical College where he did A-Levels. In 1980 he won a place at the University of Essex to read law, graduating in 1983. After a year in Manchester to complete his Law Society finals, Miles returned to Henley to be articled to ACB Hurst & Co. After qualifying in 1988 he was employed at BP Collins in Beaconsfield.

In 1990 Miles met his future wife Joanne and in 1992 the couple married. Their son Max was born in 1993. The following year the family moved to Southend and Miles began work for Jervis Jerman Solicitors, a leading criminal law firm.

A committed Christian, forgoing the financial rewards associated with a career in private practice, in 1996 Miles began work at Southend Citizens Advice Bureau as a housing solicitor, a post funded through a contract between the CAB and the Legal Aid Agency. He spent the rest of his working life in this post, helping the less fortunate. He was well known and respected by local judges and other legal colleagues for championing those who needed his help the most.

In December 1996 he became a father for the second time with the birth of another son, Sam. At the age of three, Sam was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Miles, always wanting to help others, proceeded to set up the registered charity the Southend Cystic Fibrosis Association. The charity continues to help local families affected by cystic fibrosis and is one of the many legacies of care to others that Miles leaves behind.

In 2006 Miles was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the CAB, a much-deserved recognition of his work, presented to him later that year by the now King Charles III.

In 2013 during a difficult time for the family, Miles and Joanne separated, although they remained close friends and together watched with pride as both their sons graduated from university with First Class Honours Degrees.

In 2018 he was short-listed in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award and although he did not win in his category, just making the shortlist was a tremendous achievement.

Miles was a fun-loving person, a dependable and deeply caring man of integrity who touched the lives of many people, leaving them better for the experience. He will be deeply missed by his entire extended family and many friends and not least by the two fine sons he leaves behind.

Miles Anthony Richardson MBE 28.06.1962 – 02.07.2024