Former Hull City star Dean Windass says he’s sure there will a “few tears” when he is awarded an honorary degree from the University of Hull.
The university described the 56 year-old as a “legend and community” champion, saying his name is etched into the Hull City history books thanks to his memorable Wembley goal in 2008 which secured the club’s promotion to the Premier League. Mr Windass, who revealed his dementia and ADHD diagnoses earlier this year, said the award was a “huge honour”.
He added: “I’m an emotional person anyway, and I know my family and friends will be there to watch me pick up the award, so I’m sure there’ll be a few tears.”
In a career spanning two decades, Mr Windass played for Bradford City, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Aberdeen. But he is know for the volley that gave his home side a 1-0 win over Bristol City in the play off final and secured City’s promotion.
In recent years he has talked candidly about mental health and regularly posts on social media saying of the process: “I’m counselling somebody else, but they’re counselling me”. The university said his story was one of resilience, loyalty, and enduring community pride.
Mr Windass is among a trio of notable Humber people being recognised for their society, sport, culture and sustainability. Joining him are self styled “positive disruptor” Jaz Ampaw-Farr and broadcaster and “eco-futurist” Alan Raw.
As a motivational speaker who is said to have inspired audiences worldwide, Ms Ampaw-Farr took on parenting responsibilities for her younger siblings at age 11. Through her work in education and leadership, she has starred in the Apprentice, delivered TEDx talks and spoken in boardrooms, schools and global conferences and founded human behavioural consultancy Be Human First.
She said: “Hull gave me a home when I didn’t have a home. I came out of foster care and had nowhere to go in the holidays, but I had a community here. So, it feels like your mum’s proud of you, that’s what this feels like.”
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Meanwhile Alan Raw’s career has included broadcasting, sustainability and social enterprise. The BBC presenter and documentary maker writes about future adaptation, eco-tech, space and climate resilience – championing a hopeful future. And his company, Hull-based Pan Galactic, deals with systems for space data.
He said: “To be recognised by an institution like the University of Hull is incredibly humbling, it feels like being seen for my values, rather than the outcomes, and for that I’m very grateful.”
Professor Dave Petley, vice- chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Our graduation ceremonies are a celebration of ambition, resilience and achievement. Every one of our students has overcome challenges to earn their place here, and we are proud to celebrate them. We also take this opportunity to honour those whose work already exemplifies the change-making spirit we foster in our graduates. Jaz Ampaw-Farr, Dean Windass and Alan Raw are being recognised not only for what they have achieved, but for how they inspire others through bold leadership, deep compassion and unwavering determination.”
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