Leeds Beckett University is to award Honorary Doctorates to five outstanding individuals at its summer graduation ceremonies in July, recognising achievement across sport, broadcasting, law, healthcare and public service.

Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, television presenter and inclusion advocate George Webster, legal trailblazer Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children’s rights champion Baroness Anne Longfield will all receive Honorary Doctorates at ceremonies held at First Direct Arena in Leeds from 13 to 17 July.

Hannah Cockroft CBE – Honorary Doctor of Sport

Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Hannah Cockroft CBE is one of Britain’s most decorated Paralympic athletes. Competing in the T34 wheelchair racing classification, she has won nine Paralympic gold medals across four Games – London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 – alongside 16 World Championship titles and world records in five events.

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.

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 – Honorary Doctor of Arts

George Webster, 25, from Rawdon in West Yorkshire, 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.

Since then, George has built an impressive screen and stage career, with roles in The Railway Children Return, Casualty and World on Fire, and a celebrated appearance in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. In 2025, he joined the presenting team of Something Special – the very 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’s leading charity for 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.”

Lubna Shuja – Honorary Doctor of Laws

Born and educated in Yorkshire, Lubna Shuja 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.

Under her leadership, the Law Society strengthened its support for lawyers facing complex ethical challenges, while Lubna’s work with legal and governmental leaders in India helped open the Indian legal services market to solicitors from England and Wales. She has also dedicated 18 years to professional regulation, chairing hearings that protect the public and uphold standards across 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 – Honorary Doctor of Health

Steph Lawrence MBE has dedicated her career to improving patient care and strengthening the nursing profession. Trained as both an adult and children’s general nurse, she has held influential leadership positions including Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and National Professional Adviser for Community Services at the Care Quality Commission.

Steph led the national trailblazer group that developed the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard, now delivered by universities across England, and co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing Plan. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours for services to district nursing and recently became Chief Executive of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. A longstanding partner of Leeds Beckett, she has worked closely with the 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 – Honorary Doctor of Education

Baroness Anne Longfield has spent more than 30 years helping shape national policy and public debate on children’s rights, family support and social mobility. From her work on Sure Start to her six years as Children’s Commissioner for England, she has consistently championed the view that every child should have the chance to thrive, regardless of background.

Now Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, which she founded in 2024, she continues to campaign for practical solutions to support vulnerable children and teenagers. She previously chaired the Commission on Young Lives, whose recommendations helped shape the Government’s Young Futures programme. A Yorkshire native who grew up near Otley Chevin, Baroness Longfield returned to the region after more than 20 years in London and remains deeply connected to the communities that shaped 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.”