Honorary awards

Dr James Robson MBE received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made to sports medicine. For two decades, he was the pitch side doctor for the British and Irish Lions rugby union team. James, who was born and raised in Whitehaven, initially qualified as a physiotherapist but retrained as a doctor. As the doctor for both Scottish Rugby and the Lions, he has worked at more than 250 international matches. He was awarded an MBE for services to the sport in 2018.

Adrian Anderson received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made to the education sector and Apprenticeship reform. He spent 14 years as the Chief Executive of the University Vocational Awards Council and made a real impact on apprenticeship policymaking in England. Adrian is regarded as a trusted adviser to both government and the higher education sector. He also wrote frequently for education publications and has co-authored the apprenticeship standards’ guidance.

Alexandra Hartley received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to cricket and sports broadcasting. The former left-arm spin bowler, who travelled the world playing for Lancashire and England, was a key part of the 2017 World Cup winning team. Alex, who was born in Blackburn, has also coached the Multan Sultans in Pakistan’s Super League. She now commentates on TNT Sports and BBC TV and radio, co-presents a podcast and writes for a national newspaper.

Mandip Gill received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to acting. For three series, the University alumna played companion Yasmin Khan on Doctor Who. During her time on the iconic show, she won several awards, including a Radio Times’ Readers’ Award. She appeared in nearly 250 episodes of Hollyoaks and had roles in Casualty and The Good Karma Hospital. Most recently, she played the lead role in 2:22 A Ghost Story in London’s West End.

Steve Pemberton received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made to acting, writing and directing. The proud Lancastrian is best known for co-creating, co-writing and acting in the hugely popular The League of Gentlemen. The triple BAFTA award-winner has also co-created and starred in dark comedies Inside No. 9 and Psychoville, both broadcast on the BBC. He appeared in Happy Valley and Benidorm and most recently he was a contestant on Channel 4’s Taskmaster.

Geeta Guru-Murthy received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to broadcast journalism. As a BBC broadcast presenter and correspondent, she has anchored some of the most significant events of the past century, including the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Born in Liverpool but schooled in East Lancashire, she has worked for the BBC for 25 years and this year she was appointed as a chief presenter for the BBC News Channel, the most-watched news channel in the UK.

Helen Bingley received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to the NHS in the North West. Our former member of staff and alumna, who is now High Sheriff of Lancashire, rose through the ranks from nurse to executive director, chief executive and non-executive director of several NHS Trusts. Helen’s passion for access to good healthcare and education led to her establishing the Abaseen Foundation which supports some of the poorest populations in the world in rural North West Pakistan to find a path out of poverty. She received an accolade for her volunteer work from President Yeltsin in 1993 and in 2019 was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Steve Saul received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made to regional radio and television broadcasting. The award-winning Prestonian journalist’s career started at the age of 13 when he volunteered on hospital radio. His career then led him to a role at the BBC local radio stations, to then presenting news bulletins on BBC Radio 5 Live and senior presenter, reporter and producer for BBC North West Tonight. Steve regularly helps journalism students at the University providing feedback on their news day projects.

Onatejiro 'AJ' Odudu received her award to recognise her significant contribution to television presenting and broadcasting. AJ, who was born and raised in Blackburn, is well-known for fronting shows on ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky Arts.

John Chesworth received his award to recognise his significant contribution to the regeneration of Preston. The proud Prestonian is Executive Chairman of Harrison Dury, where he has practised as a solicitor for more than 25 years, and sits on the board of Preston's Business Improvement District.

Alison Robinson received her award to acknowledge her significant contribution to the Further Education sector in Lancashire. For nearly 20 years, Alison has been in senior positions at two local colleges. She was Runshaw College's Assistant Principal before becoming Chief Executive and Principal of Myerscough College.

Zuber Issa CBE received his award to recognise his significant contribution to business and charity, and in particular to Lancashire and the North West. The Blackburn-based businessman co-founded Euro Garages, now known as EG Group, with his brother. 

Victoria Derbyshire received her award to acknowledge her significant contribution to journalism and broadcasting. After graduating from UCLan, the Lancastrian began her career on BBC local radio, before joining BBC Radio 5 Live.

Amanda Elwen received her award to acknowledge her significant contribution to the development and management of domestic abuse services in Lancashire. After completing two UCLan courses, Amanda led Harv Domestic Abuse Services, a charity that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

Mick Cartledge received his award to recognise his significant contribution and dedication to local government in East Lancashire. He has spent 42 years working in local government, serving three authorities before moving to Burnley Council in 2001. 

Professor Helen Marshall OBE received her award to recognise her significant contribution to the Higher Education sector. Helen has worked at four UK universities during her long and distinguished career, including here at UCLan where she was Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement.

David Holmes OBE received his award to acknowledge his significant contribution towards advanced aerospace manufacturing, technology and engineering. The Lancastrian has spent nearly 40 years working at BAE Systems.

Patrick received his award to recognise the significant contribution he has made in services to the British clothing and textile industry, as well as the support provided to the University at events such as the Leaders in Residence Network Launch. Whilst studying at Oxford University, Patrick saw an opportunity to buy Savile Row tailor, Norton & Sons which worked with Alexander McQueen and Christian Louboutin as well as Rolls Royce and Cartier. 

Peter received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made in services to television, acting and presenting. His career has spanned more than 60 years and his first notable role was as Doctor Who's companion. 

Peter received his award in recognition of the significant contribution made in services to journalism and the mentoring and training of journalists. During a career that spanned more than 30 years, he was based in Africa for the BBC and delivered exclusive coverage on the death of President Nelson Mandela. 

Ron was recognised for his dedication to public service and the significant contribution to the development of UCLan. Ron served as MP for Preston North for two terms in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Becky received her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made in services to graphic design and the support given to UCLan Publishing. After starting out at Random House Children’s Books, Becky is now the Design Manager for Macmillan Children’s Books. In addition, she runs her own freelance design company and has designed for books by Jacqueline Wilson and Philip Pullman plus text designed for the Harry Potter series.

John received his award to recognise the significant long-term contribution he has made to the Applied Policy Science Unit (APSU) and to the Samuel Lindow Foundation, particularly through the provision of expertise and extensive practical experience in the fields of politics, policy and government. 

Gill received her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made in services to archaeology and support in providing placements for the University’s archaeology students. Dr Hey spent a decade managing fieldwork projects in Peru before heading back to spend 30 years working at Oxford Archaeology. 

Ann received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to the development of music business education. The lawyer and author is a consultant at an entertainment law firm and she has been instrumental in planning and delivering some of the biggest deals in modern music. 

Enna received her award in recognition of the significant contribution made to the higher education sector, particularly through raising awareness of the importance of educational partnerships between Korea and the United Kingdom. 

Sarah received her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to early years’ education and childcare. Her passion for childcare began when she established the Kinder Care nurseries, before directing an independent primary school and three day-nurseries. 

Lindsay received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to politics and UK Parliament.

Klaus received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the Higher Education sector, particularly through his co-development on the Global Code Of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings, and his support of the TRUST project, co-ordinated by UCLan’s Professor Schroeder.  

Malcolm received his award to recognise his outstanding achievements in the higher education sector. He was our Vice-Chancellor between 1998 and 2013. During those 15 years, he accelerated the growth of student numbers, placed greater emphasis on student experience and employability and developed a research strategy.

Mike received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the Higher Education sector, particularly through his support and guidance on a number of University projects, most notably the Engineering Innovation Centre and the development of nuclear education.

Tony received his award to acknowledge his significant contribution to the textile industry and international trade. As CEO of Burnley-based fabrics supplier Panaz, he sits on the board of Creative Lancashire and is Chairman of both Marketing Lancashire and UCLan spin-out company Alusid. He has also served as High Sheriff of Lancashire.

Kim received her award to acknowledge her significant contribution to the music industry and tour management. Her career was kickstarted through an opportunity to go backstage at an Elvis Costello and the Attractions gig in Preston in the 1970s. 

Gail received her award to acknowledge her significant contribution to women’s football. The proud Prestonian has campaigned tirelessly for women’s football to be recognised in its own right, and was responsible for the reunion of the Dick, Kerr Ladies Football Club team - the subject of her book ‘In a League of Their Own.’ 

Susan receives her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to education and engineering. After graduating, Susan started her career as Head of Information Communication Technology at a local secondary school. She then left teaching to set up national charity Primary Engineer as she identified a need for engineering to begin in primary schools, with an emphasis placed on teacher training.

David received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the health and social care sector, particularly through his development of social work education. David, who is recognised worldwide for his campaigns around the injustice of apartheid, has held several Ministerial appointments since the late 1990s in the integration of health and social care, dementia and mental health. 

Eric received his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the University through his leadership in the establishment and development of the Whittingham Lives Association. With the Cul-de-sac Theatre company, the playwright and mental health activist produced three plays for the University, which all explored mental illness.