Clive Richards: A tribute

Clive Richards: A tribute

Everyone at St Michael’s Hospice is deeply saddened to hear the news that Clive Richards has died.

Clive, and his wife Sylvia, were unwavering in their dedication to their Hospice.

Their profound kindness was never more evident than in 2014 when the Clive & Sylvia Richards Charity donated £1 million to the St Michael’s Hospice Redevelopment Appeal. This generosity helped build our new Hospice buildings which are enabling us to care for more people than in any time since St Michael’s first opened its doors in 1984.

The Inpatient Wing is named in the couple’s honour.

Clive chose to support St Michael’s Hospice because he felt passionate about the work we do and that the Hospice ‘plays a vital role in the community’.

Clive continued his commitment to supporting St Michael’s.

He opened the gardens of his Ullingswick home to raise funds and, as recently as 2019, helped the St Michael’s Hospice Race Day at Hereford Racecourse become an overwhelming success, raising almost £50,000.

Speaking that same year, Clive said he and Sylvia had given away millions of pounds to good causes over three decades – and had no plans to stop.

‘We just try to help people, particularly those who can’t help themselves,’ said Clive.

‘Once you’ve made a certain amount of money, you can only spend so much. 

‘I’ve had a hell of a good life and been able to do what I want. ‘But you can’t take it with you, so we came to the conclusion that we would give our wealth away.’

Clive gave the Hospice and its Trustees confidence and reassurance needed to deliver our mission of providing more care to more people in more places. 

After meeting with Clive, Hospice Trustees always returned with his wise words ringing in their ears.

It’s his generosity and sound advice, often delivered with good humour, which we’ll miss the most.