Wednesday 16th July 2024 was the most wonderful, exciting nerve-wracking day. I was awarded an honorary doctorate – Doctor of Letters – from the university where I spend three wonderful years from 1992-1995, Northumbria University.

My degree was awarded to me by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson who is the current Chancellor of the university. I was so pleased to be able to share this special moment with my parents and I only stumbled once during my speech to the undergraduates.

I...