Mother’s tribute to musician Tom Richardson, of Norwich band Uncle Stash, who died after plunging from burning Holls Lane flat

Flowers where Tom Richardson died after flat fire in Holls Lane, Norwich (Image: Archant)

Today his mother paid tribute to the son she described as 'particularly gifted'.

Fire services at the scene of the fatal fire in Holls Lane, Norwich. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant)

Tom Richardson who played in the Norwich band Uncle Stash, died of multiple injuries after he plunged from the block of flats on Holls Lane, Norwich, during the fire which destroyed his bedroom early on Sunday morning. His mother Doreen said the former Wymondham College student 'had everything to live for' and was looking forward to River's first birthday next month.

Fire services at the scene of the fatal fire in Holls Lane, Norwich. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant)

She said: 'He was a very happy and popular, talented young man and he was looking forward to his 21st birthday and the first birthday of his little daughter River. He was very loving, very supporting of his friends. He was a tower of strength to his friends and very popular, happy and out-going and sensitive young man.

'Obviously he was taken far too soon and it's a great loss, as is any loss of a young life, but I think he was particularly gifted and loved by everybody.'

Uncle Stash appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk's Introducing show in 2009, when Mr Richardson explained how the group has its origins in school talent competitions.

He said then that the band put flamenco and funk together, and his influences included Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix.

Mr Richardson was originally from Brundall but lived in France between the ages of three and 10, where his mother said he entertained friends with his guitar skills, and was bilingual.

She said he had finished a gap year in Australia, and was planning to do more studying, and become more involved in the music industry.

She added that he also enjoyed sailing with his guitar on the Broads for relaxation.

Following the tragedy, his neighbours described him as a 'chatty' and 'friendly' man who would always say hello.

Several bunches of flowers mark the spot where he died, with one bearing the message: 'Such a tragedy. Everyone is thinking of you. A brother that few of us knew, another talent overlooked. Too young to die and your life gone. You will be sadly missed.'

Peter Abbs, of the fire investigation team, said the fire had been contained to the bedroom, which was destroyed by smoke and heat.

There was little damage to the rest of the property, and only minor water damage to the flat below.

An evacuation of neighbouring properties lasted for about two hours.

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