A model who was left blind in one eye and with severe disfigurement after acid was thrown over her face has received an honorary degree from Anglia Ruskin University.
TV presenter and author Katie Piper picked up the Honorary Doctor of Health Services degree yesterday (October 7) at the Chelmsford campus.
Ms Piper, who was attacked in 2008, formed the charitable Katie Piper Foundation that seeks to improve outcomes for burns survivors and support them in their recovery from their injuries.
The foundation is working with the Postgraduate Medical Institute in the field of burns research at the university.
Yesterday, she tweeted that it was a "special day".
Huge congratulations 2 every1 who graduated 2day @angliaRuskin. It was privilege 2 share this special day with u all pic.twitter.com/EQ09PhxWqv
— Katie Piper (@KatiePiper_) October 7, 2014
Others to be awarded included Alpine skier Jade Etherington, who grew up in Chelmsford and is the most successful British winter Paralympian of all time.
She was born with Axenfeld Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes progressive visual impairment.
The university said that her "courage and her determination to live a life unlimited by her disability make her an excellent role model for our students", and she was given an Honorary Doctor of Science degree yesterday.
Michael Adams OBE - the chief executive of the Essex Coalition of Disabled People – was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education degree as he is a "tireless campaigner for the rights of disabled people", according to ARU.
