University of Essex awards honorary doctorate to blind athlete

A man who lost his sight after stepping on an explosive device while working as an interpreter for the British Army has received an honorary doctorate.

Wali Noori was 20 years old at the time of the blast, having started his role two years earlier.

Now 36, he has won multiple medals in athletics, represented the UK at the Invictus Games, and shared his story as a motivational speaker.

He said being recognised by the University of Essex felt “incredible”.

“It was my goal to study at Essex university, but it wasn’t possible… I achieved the same dream, the same goal, in a different way with an honorary doctorate,” he told the BBC at his graduation ceremony in Colchester on Thursday.

“I have overcome many obstacles, challenges and adversities in my life, but I have never surrendered to my blindness.”

Mr Noori, who grew up in the Afghan capital Kabul, said he “never looked back” after moving to Colchester with his wife Mazhgan and their family in 2016.

Having already completed the London Marathon with a guide runner he met after joining the local athletics club, he hoped to one day tick off the rest of the World Marathon Majors, starting with Berlin.

Peter Dutch, chief executive of Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade, also received an honorary doctorate.

His organisation started life as a Facebook group in response to people stockpiling toilet roll when the pandemic hit in 2020, helping people in Colchester get hold of essentials.

“At the time I thought we’d do a few shopping deliveries and we’d all go back to normal, but we’ve come an awful long way since then,” Mr Dutch said.

Five years on, the organisation is now a community interest company and runs a community centre in the city.

Reflecting on being recognised by the university, Mr Dutch joked: “I can take unbearable to a whole new level by only answering to Dr Dutch.”

The university’s chancellor, Sarah Perry, said both men “exemplify the Essex spirit”.

“All of our honorary graduates this year have achieved the most remarkable things, seemingly from nowhere,” she said.

Also among the university’s honorary graduates this year were businessman Sir Nigel Wilson, TV producer Sarah-Jane Walsh, biopharmaceutical entrepreneur Patrick Ngiam, and data consultancy partner Natalie Cramp.