Simon Richards, age 12, was born on 24 September 2002 in Sutton Coldfield and died of heart failure after an acute asthma attack at home on 16 August 2015. Simon’s unique spirit and his legacy will have a positive impact by supporting budding young violinists and viola players from the West Midlands and the local community, through music making and live local performances.
Simon Richards had lots of passions in life. Like many 12-year old boys, he was often consumed with digital media and gaming, but also carved precious time for music, to practice keyboard and especially the violin.
Simon suffered from Chronic Brittle Asthma, was often very poorly and had to spend a lot of time away from school and from his friends. Yet despite being poorly he managed to get on with life and find the strength to enjoy playing the violin. A committed member of the North Birmingham Suzuki Violin Group, Simon often delighted audiences by busking in his local Shopping mall in Sutton Coldfield.
Simon sadly passed away on 16 August 2015 aged 12 .
Simon’s unique spirit and his legacy will have a positive impact by supporting budding young violinists and viola players from the West Midlands and the local community, through music-making and live local performances.
A memorial fund and annual AYM Award were established in 2015.
Applications for this Award should be made via the normal application procedure.
Click here for details about how to apply to our Awards programme.
AYM is here to give talent a chance and supports talented young musicians from low income families through their individual musical journey. Now you have the opportunity to gift chances so these young people can reach their musical potential so that the music never stops.
After you have looked after your friends, family and those closest to you, a gift in your will could do amazing things.
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When you attach your name, the name of a loved one or the name of your company to an AYM Award, you’re associated with giving wonderful music to the world.
If you would like to set up an annual Award to support a genre, instrument, region, organisation or in honour of an individual, we can help you find the way that works best for you. Here are some of the Awards that have been established by individuals or by their families.
