University honour for Sunderland athlete and public health pioneer

The UK’s former Paralympian poster boy Josef Craig leads those receiving honours at this week’s University of Sunderland Academic Awards.

The Jarrow athlete will be joined by leading lights from the NHS and local authority as part of the graduation ceremonies which will be held at the Stadium of Light on Thursday and Friday.

Josef is one of the North East’s most celebrated athletes after he became Team GB’s youngest gold medal winner at the London 2012 games.

The athlete was branded a national hero when he won gold in the 400m freestyle. His success in the swimming pool saw the Royal Mail honour him with a golden postbox in his home town.

Josef was jointly awarded the North East Sports Personality of the Year award then made Young Sports Personality of the year for 2012 at the BBC's main annual award.

On Thursday, Josef will receive an Honorary Fellowship from the University during their winter graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light.

During Friday’s ceremony, Sunderland City Council Public Health pioneer Jackie Nixon will follow Josef in receiving an Honorary Fellowship.

During her 12 year career in Public Health in Sunderland, Jackie has worked on projects including Delivering Race Equality within Mental Health, NHS Health Checks, Suicide Prevention, tackling homelessness and creating smoke-free parks.

Another recipient is Colin Ranshaw who will receive an Alumni Fellowship for his work with the Student’s Union at the university.