AN endurance swimmer who braved waters as cold as minus 1.7C to raise awareness of melting polar ice caps is to be recognised with an honorary degree.
Lewis Pugh, who swam across the North Pole in 2007 to highlight the environmental crisis the area is facing, will receive the honour from the University of Stirling next week.
Pugh has dedicated his life to raising awareness of environmental plights facing ecosystems across the planet.
In 2018, he became the first person to swim the length of the English Channel from Land’s End to Dover in a call for the protection of UK waters.
READ MORE: Commonwealth Games: Team Scotland reveal opening ceremony outfits
He completed his first long-distance swim from Robben Island to Cape Town in South Africa when he was only 10 years old.
He will join other “inspirational” figures behind honoured by the university next Wednesday and Thursday.
One such figure is Lynda Okroj from Scottish Women’s Aid who is being recognised for her work in supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.
Paralympic gold medallist David Smith, who was born with two club feet and has played shinty as well as practising karate and athletics, is also being honoured.
It was his switch to adaptive rowing which saw him clinch gold at the London 2012 Paralympics.
Principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Stirling Professor Sir Gerry McCormac said: “Summer graduation is always a highlight in the university calendar – but this fortnight of events has been incredibly special as we’ve been able to celebrate three cohorts of students, including graduates from 2020 and 2021.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our 2022 graduands to campus next week and are delighted they will be joined by four outstanding individuals who are making a real difference to the world in their respective fields and are excellent, inspirational role models for our students and graduates.
“Congratulations to all of those graduating over this two-week period.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel