Honorary degree for Hull City boss

Graduation ceremonies will be taking place next week at Hull City Hall and the Spa Complex in Scarborough.

The Egyptian-born businessman, who has shot into the public eye since buying the club, will become a Doctor of the university on Thursday.

As well as his sporting interests, he is also a philanthropist, having donated £1.5m to the University for its new biosciences research centre. He has described his acquisition of the club as “a present to the city and the people who live here because of what this area has done for me”.

Former professional rugby league player at Hull FC Steve Prescott MBE will also become a Doctor of the university.

The popular full-back returned to The Boulevard in 2001, following a spell at Wakefield, but was forced to retire through injury three years later.

Five years ago the sportsman was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of stomach cancer, and given months to live.

Defying the prognosis, Steve has continued pushing his body to the limits – raising funds for charity through the Steve Prescott Foundation.

He has since raised more than £300,000 through various sporting events.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Calie Pistorius said: “The awarding of these honorary degrees to such a diverse range of people continues a long tradition at the University of Hull.

“I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to all those graduating this year, they deserve to feel immensely proud of their achievements and I wish them every success for the future.”