Leeds Beckett University will honour five exceptional figures at its summer graduation ceremonies this July, recognising outstanding contributions to sport, broadcasting, law, healthcare and public service.
Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, children’s television presenter and inclusion advocate George Webster, former Law Society president Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children’s rights campaigner Baroness Anne Longfield will each receive an Honorary Doctorate. The awards will be presented during graduation ceremonies at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, taking place from 13 to 17 July.
Halifax-born Hannah Cockroft CBE is among Britain’s most decorated Paralympians, with a record of achievement that has made her one of the leading figures in wheelchair racing.
Competing in the T34 classification, she has won nine Paralympic gold medals across four Games — London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 — as well as 16 World Championship titles. She also holds world records across five events.
Beyond the track, Hannah Cockroft has become a prominent advocate for disability sport and inclusion, using her profile to challenge perceptions of disability and encourage the next generation of athletes. She has also built a close working relationship with Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport, collaborating with academics and sport scientists to help develop performance support for para-athletes. Hannah Cockroft CBE 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, from Rawdon in West Yorkshire, made television history in 2021 when he became the first presenter with Down syndrome to join CBeebies. The 25-year-old quickly became a favourite with young viewers thanks to his warmth, confidence and natural presence on screen. His work was recognised in 2022 when he won the BAFTA for Best Presenter at the British Academy Children’s Awards.
Webster has since developed a wide-ranging career across television, film and theatre, with credits including The Railway Children Return, Casualty and World on Fire, as well as a popular appearance on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. In 2025, he joined the presenting team of Something Special — the programme that inspired him as a child through its use of Makaton signing.
He is also a published author and an ambassador for Mencap, the UK charity supporting people with a learning disability. George Webster 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.”
Yorkshire-born and educated Lubna Shuja has built a distinguished legal career shaped by a commitment to justice, inclusion and professional integrity. In 2022, she made history when she became the 178th President of the Law Society of England and Wales. She was the first Asian, the first Muslim and only the seventh woman to hold the role in the organisation’s almost 200-year history.
During her presidency, the Law Society strengthened its support for solicitors navigating complex ethical issues. Shuja also worked with legal and government leaders in India, helping to open the Indian legal services market to solicitors from England and Wales.
Alongside her wider legal work, she has spent 18 years involved in professional regulation, chairing hearings designed to protect the public and uphold standards across a range of professions. Lubna Shuja said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award from Leeds Beckett University. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about promoting fairness, inclusion and ethical practice. I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their ambitions and help create positive change within their professions and communities.”
Steph Lawrence MBE has spent her career working to improve patient care and strengthen the nursing profession. Trained as both an adult and children’s general nurse, she has held senior leadership roles including Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and National Professional Adviser for Community Services at the Care Quality Commission. Lawrence led the national trailblazer group that developed the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard, which is now delivered by universities across England. She also co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing Plan.
Her contribution to district nursing was recognised in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours, when she was awarded an MBE. She has recently become Chief Executive of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing, and has been a longstanding partner of Leeds Beckett University, working closely with its School of Health to support the development of future healthcare professionals. Steph Lawrence MBE said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and I am humbled to have been selected for doing what I believe was just my job. Thank you to colleagues at Leeds Beckett University for honouring me in this way – it is hugely appreciated.”
Baroness Anne Longfield has spent more than three decades shaping national policy and public debate on children’s rights, family support and social mobility. From her early work on Sure Start to her six years as Children’s Commissioner for England, she has been a leading advocate for the principle that every child should have the opportunity to thrive, whatever their background.
She is now Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, which she founded in 2024, and continues to campaign for practical measures to support vulnerable children and teenagers.
Baroness Longfield previously chaired the Commission on Young Lives, whose recommendations helped inform the Government’s Young Futures programme.
A Yorkshire native who grew up near Otley Chevin, she returned to the region after more than 20 years in London and remains closely connected to the communities that helped shape her. Baroness Longfield said:
“It is a huge honour to receive this recognition from Leeds Beckett University. It feels especially meaningful because of the university’s fantastic work in education and its commitment to improving life chances for disadvantaged young people. Leeds is a city with ambition, resilience and pride, and I am delighted to be honoured by a university that is playing such an important role in shaping its future.”
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.”
The honorary doctorates will be presented at First Direct Bank Arena during Leeds Beckett University’s graduation week. Over 10,000 students will graduate, and 29,000 guests will attend ceremonies across the week.
Ceremony dates:
Monday 13 July: Hannah Cockroft CBE and Baroness Anne Longfield
Tuesday 14 July: George Webster
Wednesday 15 July: Steph Lawrence MBE
Friday 17 July: Lubna Shuja
Leeds Beckett University describes itself as a modern, professionally focused institution with a diverse and dedicated community of students, staff and partners. Working closely with employers and organisations across a range of sectors, the university aims to equip graduates with the skills and experience needed for work, life and future opportunities. Its students and academics also collaborate on research designed to have a real-world impact, delivering social, economic and cultural benefits for the communities it serves.
Leeds Beckett has over 24,000 students in Leeds and more than 253,000 alumni in 166 countries. Find out more at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk
