As part of our 40 Stories for 40 Years campaign, we’re sharing 40 individual stories that reflect the journey, people, and moments that have shaped Umbrella since 1985. Each story highlights a different voice from within our organisation, celebrating the experiences, relationships, and memories that continue to define who we are today.
This story is a tribute to Dan Richardson, remembered with deep affection by his family and the Umbrella community as a joyful, energetic and unforgettable young man who left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Dan’s story is deeply woven into the history of Umbrella. It is a story told not just through facts and memories, but through laughter, shared experiences and a sense of love that still feels very present today.
Dan’s parents, Audrey and Paul, have generously shared their story and memories of Dan to help keep his legacy alive within Umbrella. Their reflections offer a deeply personal insight into the joy, complexity, and love that defined his life.
First Encounters
One of the earliest connections to Dan came back in the mid-1990s, when Umbrella was still in its early years. At the time, the organisation was running a play scheme called Jigsaw, supporting children and families in the community.
It was here that Dan first became known – even then described as a “whirlwind.” Not just energetic, but full of life, curiosity and a desire to connect with everyone around him.
He didn’t just meet people; he remembered them. His memory became one of the most remarkable things about him. Names, faces, family connections – nothing seemed to slip past him. If he met you once, he would remember you forever.
Dan’s Early Life and Disability
Dan was born with a rare genetic condition known as Trisomy 10p, which meant he had significant learning disabilities and required ongoing support throughout his life. He also had additional needs relating to his health and development and needed support with aspects of daily living and care.
From an early age, it was clear that while Dan faced considerable challenges, he also had an extraordinary personality and a powerful ability to connect with people in his own unique way. His condition shaped the support he needed, but it never defined the joy, humour, or presence he brought into every space he entered.
A Familiar Face and a Familiar Routine
Dan quickly became a well-known figure in everyday places. Former CEO Ann Rowlands, who knew Dan through Umbrella’s early years, remembers regularly bumping into him during Friday shopping trips to Tesco.
There was a rhythm to it – a routine that became special. Dan would often be there with family, sometimes in the shopping trolley, greeting familiar faces and remembering details most people would forget.
Even simple moments became meaningful. A watch, a name, a passing comment – Dan would store it all away and bring it back later with astonishing accuracy.
A Life Full of Connection
Dan had a natural way of drawing people in. He was sociable, curious, and completely unafraid to engage with anyone he met – cleaners, shop staff, teachers, strangers and friends alike.
He loved attention and interaction, often making strong connections wherever he went. Whether at swimming sessions, play schemes, or local community spaces, Dan brought energy and humour into every room.
He also had a playful side that everyone remembers. From ringing people repeatedly from care settings, to enthusiastically engaging with emergency services after discovering an internal phone system, Dan’s curiosity often led to unforgettable (and sometimes chaotic) stories – always told with affection and laughter in hindsight.
Dan’s mum, Audrey, shared one such memory:
“They were flashing lights coming down the main drive, and we didn’t know why. Apparently, Dan had been ringing up the emergency services for a chat, and eventually they sent a fire engine. They had a new internal telephone system, which was supposed to be locked down, but somehow Dan had managed to override it. They eventually came because they thought there was an emergency.”
Even when situations became unexpected, there was never malice – only Dan being Dan: interested, determined, and completely himself.
A Deep Love of Life and People
Dan’s personality was defined by his love of people. He wanted to know who you were, where you came from, and how you were connected to others. Once he had that information, he held onto it with incredible clarity.
He also had a fascination with the world around him – from books and animals to small insects and everyday objects. Ladybirds, bees, and ants could capture his attention for long periods. He would watch them gently, fascinated and completely at ease.
There was a softness to him too. A gentleness that showed in how he interacted with animals and people alike.
Growing Up and Umbrella’s Role
Dan was part of Umbrella from a young age, taking part in play schemes, swimming sessions, and community activities. These spaces were not just services for him – they were part of his social world, where he built friendships and routines that meant a great deal.
For his family, these opportunities also provided support and moments of relief, allowing Dan to enjoy independence in safe, structured environments where he thrived socially.
His involvement also helped shape early Umbrella services, including play schemes that were designed to support children and young people with additional needs.
A Legacy That Lives On
Dan passed away suddenly at the age of 27 following a severe and unexpected illness. The shock was profound, especially given how full of life he had been only days before.
His loss was deeply felt by his family, friends, carers and the wider Umbrella community.
But in the midst of grief, there was also a powerful sense of gratitude – for a life lived so fully, and for the joy he brought to so many people.
At his funeral, touching tributes reflected just how widely he was loved. Even small personal details – like symbolic items chosen in his honour – spoke volumes about the impact he had on those around him.
The Dan Richardson Award
To honour his memory, Dan’s family kindly supported the creation of the Dan Richardson Award, which continues to be presented annually.
In April this year, at Umbrella’s annual awards celebration, Dan’s parents Audrey and Paul joined staff, families and young people as the Dan Richardson Award was presented once again in his memory – a reminder of the lasting impact Dan continues to have on the Umbrella community today.
The award recognises young people within Umbrella who demonstrate achievement, individuality, and personal growth. It reflects the belief that every achievement matters – no matter how big or small – and that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Laura Bowey, Umbrella’s CEO, reflected on the continuing importance of the award:
“The Dan Richardson Award remains a very special part of Umbrella today. It celebrates the achievements and the unique strengths of the young people we support – values that continue to sit at the heart of everything we do”.
The award is a living tribute to Dan’s spirit: inclusive, joyful and full of personality.
Still Part of the Story
Dan’s influence continues to be felt in the people who knew him and the communities he was part of. Stories about him still surface years later – often told with laughter, warmth and a sense of disbelief at just how memorable he was.
He remains part of Umbrella’s identity, not just as a name connected to an award, but as someone who helped shape the spirit of inclusion, joy, and community that the organisation continues to stand for today.
As one of those who knew him reflected:
You only had to meet Dan once to remember him forever.
And that remains just as true today.