From Paralympic gold to children's rights: Leeds Beckett celebrates extraordinary achievers
Meet the five inspiring figures receiving honorary doctorates from Leeds Beckett
From a Paralympic legend and a history-making TV presenter to a pioneering lawyer, an inspirational nurse and one of Britain's leading children's champions, five remarkable figures will receive Honorary Doctorates from Leeds Beckett University.
Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympic athletes, will be among those to be honoured.
Beyond the track, Hannah has become a powerful advocate for disability sport and inclusion, using her platform to challenge perceptions of disability and inspire the next generation of athletes.
She has also developed a close collaborative relationship with Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Sport, working alongside academics and sport scientists to advance performance support for para-athletes.
She said: “Leeds has always felt like a second home to me. Leeds Beckett has played an important role in supporting my performance in recent years, and I’ve loved working alongside the sport science team to explore new ideas and approaches that can help all athletes continue to improve.
“This award means a great deal because it comes from a city and a sporting community that has been such a big part of my life.”
George Webster, 25, from Rawdon, made history in 2021 as the first presenter with Down syndrome on CBeebies.
His warmth and natural screen presence quickly made him a firm favourite with young audiences, and in 2022 he was awarded the BAFTA for Best Presenter at the British Academy Children’s Awards.
Speaking about the honour he said: “This has all been possible because of all the incredible support I’ve had from my family, friends, speech therapists, portage, schools, college, charities, NHS, the council and occupational therapists. It’s also possible because I always ask myself, ‘Why not?’ – give everything a go.”
Born and educated in Yorkshire, Lubna Shuja will also be honoured. She has built a distinguished legal career founded on a commitment to justice, inclusion and ethical practice.
In 2022, she made history as the 178th President of the Law Society of England and Wales – the first Asian, the first Muslim and only the seventh woman to hold the office in the organisation’s near 200-year history.
Steph Lawrence MBE will be awarded Honorary Doctor of Health and Baroness Anne Longfield will be Honorary Doctor of Education.
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “This year’s honorary graduates represent an extraordinary breadth of achievement and impact.
“From world-record-breaking athletic performance to decades of tireless public service, each of these individuals has made a lasting difference to the lives of others.
“We are proud to welcome them into our community of honorary graduates and to celebrate their remarkable contributions alongside the achievements of our graduating students.”