Marc: self-belief is key Fran: show emotions
SINGER-SONGWRITER Marc Almond had some inspirational words for graduating students as he accepted an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from Edge Hill University.
Although he has enjoyed worldwide fame and sold over 30m records, Marc, who grew up in Southport, told graduands that true success comes from self-belief, creativity and happiness rather than money or fame.
“Self-motivation is the key to success in the artistic or musical field,” he said.
“It’s character building and you will need this more than ever in today’s competitive world.
“Success is doing what you love, to be fulfilled by your creativity, to be happy. If success comes, enjoy it, then appreciate it, but most of all be self-motivated.
“Self-belief above all else will do the heavy lifting for you.”
He also praised the university, saying: “I feel honoured to be here today receiving such a prestigious award from an esteemed university recognised for its excellence.
“I was so impressed when I was given a tour of this beautiful campus.”
As a student, Marc studied general art and design at Southport College, specialising in performance art.
He then moved on to Leeds Polytechnic, where he met David Ball, a fellow student, and they formed Soft Cell in 1977.
Their hits included Tainted Love (UK No 1), Bedsitter (UK No 4), Say Hello, Wave Goodbye (UK No 3), Torch (UK No 2), and What! (UK No 3),
His collaborations include a duet with Gene Pitney on the 1989 UK number one single Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart.
Marc’s Shadows and Reflections tour is scheduled for October and November this year. OLYMPIC swimmer Francesca Halsall gave Edge Hill Sport graduands some top tips from her career in elite sport at their graduation ceremony.
Francesca, who was made an Honorary Doctor of Science, said that it’s never too early to start working towards a goal.
“Daily discipline and hard work are the only keys to success,” she said.
“I’ve heard the words ‘on your marks’ followed by an electronic beep hundreds and hundreds of times and this procedure is an amazing antidote to procrastination. You have no reason to think, just act – do it now.”
Southport-born Francesca retired earlier this year from a career in which she represented Great Britain in the Beijing, London and Rio Olympics and competed in many other international competitions.
She has now opened a coffee shop with two other Olympians, Jess Varnish and Liam Phillips.
She urged those entering careers in elite sport to show emotion, rather than repress it, saying: “It’s okay to show emotion, just not to your competitors.
“I’ve bawled my eyes out on national television – which wasn’t my finest moment – but learning to vent to the right people at the right time made me stronger and bottling things up is never a good option.”
Dr John Cater, the vice-chancellor, said: “In January Francesca announced her retirement.
She moved back to the North West, joining her partner, Jon Wilkin, who many will know as the captain of St Helens RLFC.
“She has brought back with her 14 gold, 14 silver and nine bronze medals from World, European and Commonwealth championships and has been, without doubt, the pre-eminent female swimmer of the past decade.”