Carr-Gomm founder dies, but his memory lives on
Carr-Gomm is extremely sad to announce the death of Richard Carr-Gomm; our founder and a continual inspiration to improving the lives of others.
Richard always relished the chance to meet and talk to clients, to hear about their lives and experiences, and he will be sadly missed by so many at Carr-Gomm.
Richard was extremely proud of Carr-Gomm’s work, and continued to give his support right up until his death. In September, he sent a message to clients at the AGM apologising for his absence due to a broken hip. In his message Richard showed his unending enthusiasm for Carr-Gomm, stating that “All I read and all I hear about Carr-Gomm excites me, for you are forging ahead and helping so many. Your imaginations are so varied that it is hard to keep up with them. But they are so obviously needed, that I wish we had got on to them before”
Richard devoted his life and energy to providing help and housing for people who were disadvantaged and lonely. After he left the Army in 1955, he became a home help in Bermondsey. Touched by the loneliness and disadvantage he saw around him, he used his own money to buy houses which would offer people support and break down barriers between people in the community. Richard founded the Abbeyfield Society in 1956, which offered older people companionship and care in the community. He then founded Carr-Gomm in 1965, to combat the isolation, mental health problems and other difficulties faced by people of all ages. Starting from one house in Bermondsey, Carr-Gomm grew into a charity supporting thousands of vulnerable people across the country. In 1972, Richard also began the Morpeth Society.
Richard inspired and assisted thousands of people during his life, but he was a very humble man and he was touched by the recognition he received for his work with the most marginalised people in society. He received two Lifetime Achievement Awards; from the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards 2005 and Beacon Award 2004, as well as a Templeton Prize & an OBE for his commitment to his work.
Richard died aged eighty-six having packed an enormous amount into his long life. His kindness and generosity will continue to guide us, and we are proud that as long as Carr-Gomm exists, his name will be remembered.
Richard was a devoted husband to his late wife, Susan, and leaves behind five children, and nine grandchildren. The family has been overwhelmed by the support, love and best wishes they have received.
Read Carr-Gomm and Abbeyfields joint press release
Read about Carr-Gomm's history: Highlights of our history (pdf document)
