Their Story
Richard Henry, known to many of his friends and colleagues simply as “Henners”, was a much-loved Northumbria Police officer, sergeant, son, brother, friend, father and uncle whose personality left a lasting impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.
Standing at 6ft 5in and having spent much of his life playing rugby, Richard could certainly look imposing. Those who knew him, however, remember something very different. His sister Vikki describes him as a “gentle giant”, someone who loved giving enormous bear hugs and who had a warmth and sense of humour that drew people towards him. The same description appears repeatedly in the memories left by his friends and colleagues.
Richard’s journey into policing began as a Special Constable with Northumbria Police before he joined as a regular police officer in January 2015. Policing was something he had wanted to do from a young age. His family believe that, at the heart of that ambition, was a desire to help people and make a difference.
He served on a number of teams during his career, including at Whickham, where memories from colleagues show just how much he enjoyed being part of a team. One former tutor remembered Richard as the best probationer she had trained and recalled how much fun they had working together. Other colleagues remembered his smile, his facial expressions, his endless questions and the humour he brought into the workplace.
Richard progressed from Special Constable to police constable and eventually sergeant. Those closest to him believed he had much further to go. One family tribute recalls handing him inspector revision books because there was every confidence that he would one day make a great inspector.
Away from policing, rugby was a huge part of Richard’s life. He had played from an early age, including junior rugby with the Falcons, rugby at Dame Allan’s and at county level, before playing for a number of clubs throughout his life. His association with Ryton Rugby Club remained particularly important, and it was there that family and friends gathered following his funeral. Rugby continues to provide a connection to Richard through his nephews Harry & Sam Ross who still play for Ryton Rugby Club.
But perhaps the stories that capture Richard best are the less serious ones.
He was an unapologetic prankster. He hid people’s keys, filled bags with stationery from the office, planted plastic spiders in beds and hid behind doors waiting to make people jump. If he discovered something annoyed you, there was every chance he would do it even more. His family remember a man whose humour was shaped by the likes of Bottom, Blackadder, The Simpsons, Family Guy, South Park and Bob Mortimer, and whose ability to wind people up was very much part of his charm.
One of Vikki’s treasured final photographs of Richard captures that personality perfectly. During a bottomless brunch, he initially refused to wear a flower garland. When told there would be no more cocktails unless he put it on, Richard duly relented and carried on drinking his mimosa. It became the last photograph Vikki had of her brother and later appeared on his order of service and book of condolences.
Richard died in March 2024, shortly after his 40th birthday and after more than nine years as a regular police officer, preceded by his service as a Special Constable.
His book of condolences contains hundreds of messages. They tell the story of an officer who was valued professionally, but more importantly, of a man people genuinely loved having around. Colleagues remembered working shifts together, sharing lifts, laughing, socialising and experiencing the everyday moments that ultimately become the memories people treasure most.
Richard’s family have chosen to share his story because they do not want another person to feel that they have nowhere to turn when they are frightened, ashamed or struggling with something they feel unable to discuss. For Vikki, an important part of Richard’s legacy is encouraging others to reach out and ensuring people know that confidential and impartial support exists before they reach the point where they believe there is no way forward.
Richard should be remembered for far more than the circumstances in which his life ended.
He was Henners. A police officer and sergeant. A rugby player. A prankster. A much-loved son, brother, father and uncle. A friend who gave enormous bear hugs. A man whose colleagues believed had the potential to go much further in policing, and someone whose daft sense of humour could fill a room.
From the family
A big, lovable gentle giant, loved by everyone.