A COUPLE who tragically lost their son eight months ago in an accident have opened a bereavement centre to help others cope with their loss.

Kevin Richards was 33 when he was knocked over in April on his motorbike on the A13 while learning routes to became a black cab driver.

His parents, Alf and Beverley Richards, both 62, say they have still not come to terms with his death, despite their attempts to help others in bereavement.

Mr Richards, of Glencoe Avenue, Newbury Park, said: “To see a healthy man lost like that is not something we can come to terms with.

“On the morning he lost his life, he had been for a medical for his new job, and passed with flying colours, that’s what we just can’t understand.” Kevin left two daughters, Kira, eight, and Kenadie, two, while training for his new job, which he had set out to get so he could spend more time with his family.

The centre, in Islington, North London, has been named the The Kevin Richards Foundation Centre, in Kevin’s memory.

The bereaved are able to get help using the internet, as well as friendship, advice and a home cooked meal.

Speaking about their son, who was spending much time at home before he died, Mr Richards said: “He could not stay away from his mum’s cooking! He was very community minded and always giving something back, he was a cub scout and in the Boy’s Brigade from age four.

After the official opening ceremony last month (December), the couple have has a small but steady turn out of parents who have lost children, but say they want to branch out to all communities and anyone who has lost a loved one, not just a parent.

Mrs Richards said: “We have two couples who attend at the moment that have lost children to discuss their emotions, but we want to welcome anyone who is going through a bereavement, regardless of age of religion.

The couple have not ruled out an Ilford expansion to the London centre, depending on the success of the sessions.

To find out about the sessions, contact Beverley Richards on 07903295056.