Richard Okorogheye: ‘Every day is torment,’ says mum a year after student’s body was found in woods

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Richard left a big hole and life has never been the same,” Richard’s mother Evidence Joel told The Independent. “Each day to me is torment, I’m still waiting for him to knock on the door and say, ‘mummy’.” open image in gallery Evidence Joel said life hasn’t been the same since her son died Since he was found, a police investigation has been launched into the Met’s handling of Richard’s disappearance after Ms Joel claimed officers initially failed to take his disappearance seriously and allegedly told her: “If you can’t find your son, how can we?” An investigation is also ongoing into Richard’s cause of death which is yet to be established. He’s my only child – I just couldn’t imagine life without my son.” open image in gallery Richard Okorogheye’s death is being treated as unexplained Ms Joel added that she’s kept Richard’s room the same and sometimes asks him if she can come in. open image in gallery Richard’s family has launched a campaign raising awareness for sickle cell disease Since his death, Richard’s family has launched the Richard Okorogheye Foundation to raise awareness of sickle cell.