THE family of a Downend teenager who died in a freak accident have launched a charitable foundation to help other people “find hope in the heartache”.
Alfie Richley was 17 years old when he suffered traumatic injuries after falling off his skateboard while on holiday with his family. He died later the same day in hospital.
The accident happened days before Alfie’s mum Rachel was due to start treatment for breast cancer.
Alfie’s family have been working for months to set up a foundation to honour his memory by helping disadvantaged children who have been in the care system, live with disabilities or face mental health challenges, and say “even in the deepest sorrow, hope can emerge”.
They have set up the Alfie Nick Foundation as a registered charity to fund organisations and individuals that provide services for disadvantaged children, and are inviting the local community to get on board. A programme of fundraising events is in place, along with a website and donations page.
Alfie attended Christ Church Infant School, Stanbridge Primary School, Downend School and Winterbourne Academy sixth form.
He loved indoor rock climbing, and skateboarding at the Boarding School skate project at the YOU Foundation in Staple Hill.
Alfie was on holiday with his parents Nick and Rachel, brother Ryley and sisters Hope and Elsie at Center Parcs in Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire, when he came off his skateboard and hit a bollard, causing a fatal injury, in October 2023.
Rachel had been told she would have to undergo surgery and chemotherapy and, after being encouraged by her medical team, the family decided to go ahead with the half-term holiday they had booked.
Nick said: “We left as a family of six and came back as a family of five. A freak accident meant our first child was no longer with us and the suffocating agony remains with us each day.
“Rachel faced her battle with cancer head-on, enduring months of intense chemotherapy whilst grieving the loss of her precious boy.
“When she finally rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment, it was a bittersweet moment. The moment of triumph was overshadowed by the aching absence of Alfie, who would have been so proud to witness his Mum’s incredible strength and perseverance. He would have been her biggest cheerleader!”
Nick, who works in banking and has been a chair of governors at Christ Church Infants and Stanbridge, said setting up a foundation in Alfie’s name was “a journey born of unimaginable loss and unparalleled heartache”.
He and Rachel said: “We are learning to walk again, but it is not the same walk. We walk with a limp – a daily reminder of our loss. Yet, in the midst of our grief, we have hope, and it is our desire to help others find hope in the heartache. This is the mission of the Alfie Nick Foundation.”
The foundation will work with charities, schools, individuals and businesses to support disadvantaged children in the community, reflecting the family’s own experiences and Alfie’s personality.
Nick and Rachel said: “Alfie was fearless, courageous, and deeply compassionate. He cared profoundly for others, especially those who were less fortunate – he had time for everybody.
“Despite his own challenges, including a diagnosis of ADHD and mental health struggles in his late teens, Alfie’s heart was always to be outward looking and put the needs of others before his own.
“Adopting our four children from a young age is one of our greatest joys and we have seen first-hand the heartache being experienced in the care system today. We’ve also walked through the challenges faced by families who love and support children with complex needs and mental health challenges.
“While Alfie was fortunate to receive support, we know many children and families are not able to access the support their children need.”
The foundation’s first fundraising event is a 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge being undertaken by Nick and 11 others on April 12.
A sponsorship page has been set up at justgiving.com/campaign/climbforalfie.
On May 16 a formal launch event for the charity will be held at Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, with a three-course dinner, entertainment and an auction. Tickets are available from admin@alfienickfoundation.org.
Nick and four other members of the Three Peaks team will then climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania from June 25 to July 1.
The foundation is asking businesses to adopt the foundation as their charity of the year or apply to be sponsors at the launch event, as well as asking people for their support.
Nick and Rachel said: “Alfie was well-loved and known in the community, and 600 people came to his thanksgiving service.
“Our mission is rooted in Alfie’s deep compassion for others. His legacy will live on through this work, bringing hope to children and families in need.”
For more information visit alfienickfoundation.org.