I was a senior student at Nottingham Trent and finding it hard to fit in. Richard (or Rik as we all knew him) came up to me at one of the Freshers nights and started slagging me off for being an "old aged pensioner" as he put it. I had to point out that I was only a couple of years older than him, but that only made things worse. We did all our course work together and used to have competitions in Strategic Studies to see who could include the most business speak in their class presentations. Over the course of the year, I became really great friends with Rik, and we eventually moved to London where he lived in North Dulwich and I managed to get a shared house just down the road from him. He was familiar with London and introduced me to some of the better places to go. I can put my hand on my heart and say that once he stopped joking aorund he was the most considerate and genuine friends I have ever had. He treated people with a wholesome and genuine respect and never had a bad word to say about anyone. At uni he made studying just as much fun as going out, and knowing him was a priviliedge. When I started to suffer with Bipolar Disorder and psychosis (breaks from reality) Rik was the only London friend who stayed in touch on a regular basis, but unfortunately the progression of my illness meant I lost regular contact with him from about 2006 onwards. I'm almost fully recovered now, and having a friend like Rik early on in my illness definitely contributed to my recovery from my illness and meant I got through some of the darkest days. Because of my illness I have a very unique perspective on spirituality and the afterlife, and I am in no doubt at all that Rik is up in heaven in a state of restfulness and bliss. The way he was as a person was remarkable. Quite simply the nicest, most caring guy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I've just heard the tragic news. I went to the RGS with Richard. He always made me (and everybody else) laugh with his infectious sense of humour. Richard genuinely saw the good in everyone and always looked on the bright side of life. He was a truly wonderful bloke and I am so sad to hear about his passing. Sending much love to all of his family and friends.

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