The Richards Family are members of the Woodville community in the Hunter Valley. Ted Richards is a dedicated volunteer with St John Ambulance and he is also my best mate. On the 8th of April, an electrical fault created a ferocious fire in their family's large farm shed. Ted's father, Des, became caught in the blaze trying to salvage vital farming equipment - all of which was uninsured.

Each year Ted has volunteered more than 350 hours. He is a kind, honest and reliable individual. He cares deeply about others and is well-respected within his local community. He was volunteering for his community at the Dungog rodeo when he received the call about the fire.

You may have read about the story:

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8152005/man-burned-in-hay-shed-as-firefighters-work-to-control-massive-blaze/

Des suffered burns to over 60% of his body and was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital.

In the early hours of the 11th of April, Des went into multiple organ failure. He passed away later that day surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his two sons, Ted & Mus.

With nothing being insured, it has left his two sons with an insurmountable task to replace what they need to feed their cattle, maintain their land and lay their father to rest. All money raised will go towards the clean-up effort and the replacement of farming equipment, cattle feed and funeral costs. The cost of the damage is estimated to be more than $250,000.

Thank you for your donation & support in rallying around this Hunter Valley family after their unimaginable loss.