Overview
- Richard died on February 26, 2009, aged 65, at London’s Harley Street Clinic with her husband John Burns at her bedside.
- She had twice been treated for cancer before revealing in 2008 that the disease had returned aggressively and was terminal after spreading to her kidneys and bones.
- Coverage reiterates reports that she left a fortune reported at £2 million to Burns, with a clause transferring everything to Natalie Cassidy if he died within 28 days of her.
- Articles note that Cassidy, who regarded Richard as a “second mum,” ultimately received cookbooks and jewellery from the will.
- Tributes at the time from Shane Richie, Dale Winton and Esther Rantzen praised her courage and talent, and reports mention her wish for her ashes to be scattered with her terrier Shirley and, eventually, Burns.