A RUGBY World Cup winner from Downend has been awarded an honorary degree for her work to spread awareness of mental health in sport.
Amber Reed has been awarded an honorary master of science degree by the University of the West of England.
Amber is co-captain for Bristol Bears Women, where she has played for 15 seasons, and has 67 caps for England’s women’s rugby team, the Red Roses.
She has taken part in nine Women’s Six Nations Championships and two Women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments – and was part of the England squad that lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014.
Amber, who works as a PE teacher at Collegiate School in Stapleton, was awarded her honorary degree “in recognition of her work tackling the stigma around mental health within sport”.
A UWE Bristol spokesperson said: “Despite her success on the pitch, Amber has had to navigate several injuries in her professional career which, as she’s discussed publicly, has had a knock-on effect on her mental health.
“This experience prompted Amber to become an ambassador for the mental health organisation Looseheadz, which opens up conversations around mental health within sport.”
UWE deputy head of student support Sarah Garlick said: “Amber is really a worthy recipient of this award, proving that you can turn challenging experiences into a force for good that will help others dealing with similar issues.
“As well as a hugely successful career on the pitch, off the pitch she’s making a difference to the lives of others with her dedication to discussing mental health and supporting the health and well-being of people within Bristol and beyond.”
Amber was among nine people receiving honorary degrees at UWE Bristol’s fortnight of graduation ceremonies held at the Bristol Beacon, in recognition of outstanding achievements in their chosen fields and significant contributions to Bristol.
She said: “I have never been one to actively seek the limelight or recognition.
“If sharing my story helps just one person, I’ll be happy, so receiving this award is truly a surprise and a huge honour.”
Among the other recipients of awards was Guy Bailey OBE, a civil rights activist instrumental in the Bristol Bus Boycott, who was made an honorary doctor of letters in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to race equality, creating communities, and supporting underserved communities”.
Guy was denied an interview for a job as a bus driver at the Bristol Omnibus Company in 1963 because he was black.
His experience sparked the Bristol Bus Boycott that helped bring about the Race Relations Act and Equalities Act.
Guy later became the first black education welfare officer in Bristol, one of the first black governors for inner city schools, was a youth worker and founded the United Housing Association.