Latest news with #honorarydoctorate
BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
University of Essex awards honorary doctorate to blind athlete
A man who lost his sight after stepping on an explosive device while working as an interpreter for the British Army has received an honorary Noori was 20 years old at the time of the blast, having started his role two years 36, he has won multiple medals in athletics, represented the UK at the Invictus Games, and shared his story as a motivational said being recognised by the University of Essex felt "incredible". "It was my goal to study at Essex university, but it wasn't possible… I achieved the same dream, the same goal, in a different way with an honorary doctorate," he told the BBC at his graduation ceremony in Colchester on Thursday."I have overcome many obstacles, challenges and adversities in my life, but I have never surrendered to my blindness." Mr Noori, who grew up in the Afghan capital Kabul, said he "never looked back" after moving to Colchester with his wife Mazhgan and their family in already completed the London Marathon with a guide runner he met after joining the local athletics club, he hoped to one day tick off the rest of the World Marathon Majors, starting with Berlin. Peter Dutch, chief executive of Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade, also received an honorary organisation started life as a Facebook group in response to people stockpiling toilet roll when the pandemic hit in 2020, helping people in Colchester get hold of essentials."At the time I thought we'd do a few shopping deliveries and we'd all go back to normal, but we've come an awful long way since then," Mr Dutch years on, the organisation is now a community interest company and runs a community centre in the on being recognised by the university, Mr Dutch joked: "I can take unbearable to a whole new level by only answering to Dr Dutch." The university's chancellor, Sarah Perry, said both men "exemplify the Essex spirit"."All of our honorary graduates this year have achieved the most remarkable things, seemingly from nowhere," she among the university's honorary graduates this year were businessman Sir Nigel Wilson, TV producer Sarah-Jane Walsh, biopharmaceutical entrepreneur Patrick Ngiam, and data consultancy partner Natalie Cramp. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Actor Toby Jones awarded honorary doctorate by Keele University
Bafta award-winning actor Toby Jones has collected an honorary doctorate from a university in University awarded him the honour in recognition of his contribution to drama and is known for his roles in The Detectorists and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, as well as for playing local man Neil Baldwin in the BBC drama Thursday, he was reunited with Mr Baldwin, better known as "Nello", during a ceremony at the university campus. "We're delighted to award an honorary degree to acclaimed actor Toby Jones, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to drama and acting and a career that has led to him being widely regarded as one of the UK's most brilliantly versatile actors," a university spokesperson is more than a decade since Marvellous first aired, with a subsequent theatre version taking to the stage in pair's reunion was described as "an emotional and joyful moment for everyone who remembers the magic" of the upcoming projects include ITV's The Hack with David Tennant, a second series of Apple's Hijack, Duke Johnson's The Actor, and Bharat Nalluri's 58-year-old is also due to return to the stage this October in Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Bolton mayor says honour from University of Greater Manchester is ‘humbling'
Former mayor of Bolton Andy Morgan said he was 'deeply honoured' after he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Greater Manchester. Cllr Morgan, now the borough's deputy mayor, was made Doctor of University (DUniv) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to services to the university and the community. Former Bolton Mayor Cllr Andy Morgan was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Greater Manchester (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) After he was presented with his doctorate by Assistant Vice Chancellor Caroline Cowburn, Cllr Morgan told students and their families at the graduation ceremony in Bolton Town Hall's Albert Halls: 'This is a moment I never could have imagined when my journey began. 'This is not just a celebration of my personal journey, but a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie within every single one of us, no matter where we come from.' Cllr Andy Morgan received the honour on the fourth day of the University of Greater Manchester's graduation celebrations. (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) Cllr Morgan received the honour on the fourth day of the University of Greater Manchester's graduation celebrations, in front of graduands from the University's Greater Manchester Business School and Greater Manchester School of Law. READ MORE: University of Greater Manchester scores high in NSS survey 'No confidence' vote at University of Greater Manchester HIV charity boss's University of Greater Manchester honour He added: 'When I became a councillor 24 years ago, it was driven by a simple but powerful belief; that anyone, no matter their postcode, accent or circumstance could make a meaningful difference. 'Serving as mayor of Bolton was a particularly proud moment for me and my family and it reinforced my belief in the strength and potential of our community. Former mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan said he was 'deeply honoured' after he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Greater Manchester. (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) 'I am standing here today, not because I am extraordinary but because I dared to dream, and I worked hard to turn those dreams into reality.' Cllr Morgan said: 'The University has long been a pillar of education, aspiration and opportunity for our town and region. "The university's recent rebranding reflects its ambitious vision to connect local heritage with global aspirations. 'By embracing the Greater Manchester identity, the University not only enhances its reputation, but also mirrors the aspirational spirit of Bolton, a town proud of its roots, yet unafraid to aim for greater heights.' Cllr Morgan began his journey in service by joining the British Army and after graduating from training, he served in the Army Air Corps. Following military service, Cllr Morgan continued his professional journey with British Aerospace, relocating to Saudi Arabia. In 1999, he returned to the UK with his family and settled in Bolton, where he purchased and continues to run the family business as managing director. Cllr Andy Morgan began his journey in service by joining the British Army and after graduating from training, he served in the Army Air Corps. (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) In 2002 he began his political service as a councillor. He has held multiple leadership roles on the council, including executive cabinet member for adults services, safeguarding and housing, and chair of the adults and health scrutiny committee. For four years, he championed the needs of veterans as Bolton's armed forces champion. He was appointed as a magistrate in 2001 and serves as a trustee of Bolton Hospice, Bolton FM, and Age UK (Bolton), reflecting his belief in supporting people at every stage of life. In 2002, Cllr Andy Morgan began his political service as a councillor (Image: Adrian Greenhalgh) Cllr Morgan served as mayor of Bolton from 2024-25 and represented the borough at hundreds of events, raising substantial funds for local causes. He added: 'If I can do it, so can you. "Many of you may have come from humble beginnings or faced challenges that sometimes felt insurmountable, as I did. But remember this, your background does not define your future. 'What defines you is your determination, your willingness to persevere and your commitment to making a difference.'
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Leeds Beckett University honours 'inspirational' Olympians
Three Olympians who studied in Leeds have returned to their former university to receive honorary doctorates for their Beckett University honoured weightlifter Emily Campbell and triathletes Alex Yee and Georgia Taylor-Brown at a ceremony alongside almost 8,000 graduates at the First Direct was awarded for service to sport and advocacy for inclusion, while Yee and Taylor-Brown were recognised for their achievements including winning Olympic said: "For me, I had to come to Leeds, I knew the best in the world trained here, and I wanted to surround myself with the best in the world, and learn from them." The 27-year-old, who grew up in London, is triathlon's most successful Olympian with two golds, a silver and a bronze. He is the reigning Olympic and world triathlon champion, winning both titles in the same year in 2024. He graduated from Leeds Beckett with a BSc in sport and exercise said: "It was such a massive honour to receive this."Leeds Beckett gave me a chance because I crashed during my A-level attempts, and they were the ones who gave me a chance and allowed me to come to university, so I am really grateful to them."He said he thought it was a joke when the email arrived in the junk folder of his inbox - "much like when I received my MBE!" he said. Taylor-Brown, who is a triple Olympic medallist, said: "It's a strange feeling, I didn't expect it, it's super strange but so, so special."She added: "I've lived in Leeds for 13 years and I graduated 10 years ago, and I have used the university ever since I graduated just for sports, and heat chamber sessions, testing, all my medical testing, physiology testing - everything."It feels very special and surreal to have this honorary doctorate given to me."The 31-year-old, originally from Sale in Greater Manchester, said she chose to study sport and exercise science in Leeds because of its reputation for triathlon. "The facilities here are just incredible, and it has just got better and better," she said."We have the Brownlee Centre now with the outdoor cycle track, we have our own gym, we have physio rooms, it is perfect and I never wanted to leave." Campbell, 31, from Nottinghamshire, claimed an Olympic bronze medal in the women's +81kg category at the 2024 Paris was her second Olympic medal, as she won silver at the Tokyo Games, and she has since made history as the first British weightlifter to win five consecutive European said: "I have a lot of memories in Leeds and it definitely shaped me to be the person that I am, so it's very nice to be back here."Campbell graduated from Leeds Beckett with a sport science degree in 2016. Prof Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: "On behalf of Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate these inspirational and distinguished individuals on their achievement."I am delighted that we are recognising diverse accomplishments and talent which have such significant impact locally, nationally and globally."Their successes provide inspiration for this year's graduating students." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling-Ellis receives honorary doctorate from the University for Creative Arts
EastEnders ' star Rose Ayling-Ellis was all smiles as she received an honorary doctorate from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in London on Monday. The actress, 30, was recognised for her outstanding achievements both in acting and for raising awareness of the deaf community. Rose previously graduated from the institution herself back in 2016 with a first-class BA honours degree in Fashion Design. She went on to find fame on EastEnders and Casualty before winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 - and was notably the first deaf contestant to do so. Rose said in her acceptance speech: 'I really am very honoured to receive this, especially from the very University that I graduated from. 'Work hard and enjoy the ride. Congratulations to all of us.' As well as her acting achievements, Rose has recently fulfilled her dream of becoming a children's author, publishing her first sign language children's books earlier this year. News of Rose's honorary degree comes after she wrote an emotional message to her fans after ITV confirmed the future of the hit crime drama she stars in, Code Of Silence. The show, which stars the former EastEnders actress, burst onto screens earlier this year to much fanfare. It saw Rose play deaf worker Alison Woods, who works in both a police canteen and a local bar while caring for her deaf mother to make ends meet. Woods then becomes key to a police investigation when she translates a criminal gang's conversations as she finds herself drawn to one of the main suspects. Kieron Moore, Charlotte Ritchie, Andrew Buchan, Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, Joe Absolom, and Fifi Garfield also starred in the first series. Following a nail-biting finale, ITV has confirmed that Code of Silence will return for a second series. The broadcaster also revealed a whopping 7.5 million viewers tuning into the first episode alone on TV, while over 20 million streams have been recorded across the full box set on ITVX. In an emotional statement to fans, Rose confirmed she will reprise her role, writing: 'I'm so proud that Code of Silence has been recommissioned. 'The response to the first series has been incredible, and it means so much to be part of a drama that not only keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, but also puts a Deaf character at the heart of the story. 'I'm really excited to see where Alison's journey goes next and to be working again with the wonderful cast, crew and creative team behind the show.' Development on the second series has kicked off, with ITV planning to begin filming next year, meaning fans will have a lengthy wait before they can enjoy new episodes. ITV's drama commissioner, Callum Dziedzic, said: 'We are unbelievably proud of Code of Silence, and it's been a joy seeing audiences embrace it - especially their love for the skilful, headstrong, and effortlessly loveable Alison. 'Rose brings her to life with real charm and depth, and Catherine's brilliant concept gave her the perfect world to step into. We can't wait to share another gripping case, with Alison's talents and perspective delivering a thriller that's pulse-pounding, distinctive, and like nothing else on TV.'
