Family of Martyn Richardson 'eternally grateful' to community

Last Saturday, Promise of Hope and the Richardson family organised a second public search for 27-year-old Martyn, who was last seen on August 24.

Sadly, a body was found in a waterway.

Essex Police confirmed in a statement that search activity has now been suspended.

The Braintree community has since shown an outpour of support to the Richardson family and shared over 100 emotional tributes in the ‘Find Martyn’ Facebook group.

Support - Over 60 volunteers attended the second public search last Saturday (Image: Newsquest) In a statement on Sunday evening, Lee Richardson, Martyn’s uncle, wrote: “Thank you everyone for your messages, it really is amazing to read people’s love and memories of Martyn.

“I would also like to thank everyone who assisted with the search, whether it be in person or by sharing, putting up posters, messaging or donating—every one of you has helped us to bring Martyn home and we will be eternally grateful to the community.

“And a special thank you to Promise of Hope for organising yesterday’s search, which while tragic has enabled us to bring Martyn home—your help and support has been amazing.

“Thank you all.”

'Thank you' - Lee Richardson said the family will be eternally grateful to the community (Image: Newsquest) Promise of Hope is a community centric, non-profit micro-organisation in Braintree which was founded in memory of “community champion” Scott Gilhooly, the landlord of the Swiss Bell pub who was sadly lost in 2020.

They said: “Promise of Hope are beyond heartbroken by the devastating news which we are all now aware.

“Regrettably, we all share in common our heartfelt sadness and grieving for a very kind, caring and much-loved member of our community, Martyn Richardson.

“Promise Of Hope are honoured to have been entrusted by the Richardson family in supporting their heroic search efforts, and to be able to facilitate the togetherness of the community, which we saw on Saturday.

Found - Essex Police confirmed the search for Martyn has been stood down (Image: Newsquest) “We pay grateful thanks and appreciation to the whole community who supported us throughout the search appeal and also on the day of the search.

“The spirit, courage and determination was nothing less than inspiring, as was everyone’s empathy and decorum.

“Taking some comfort from the outpouring of love, support and admiration for the Richardson family at this devastatingly sad time.

“Our love, thoughts and prayers remain with them and the entire community.”

If you have been affected and need someone to talk to, please reach out for support.

You can call Samaritans on 116 123, or Mind on 0300 102 1234.