England women’s footballer Sue Smith receives honorary degree from Edge Hill University

Jul 23 2009 by Gemma Jaleel, Ormskirk Advertiser

DESPITE missing her graduation ceremony first time round, England football international Sue Smith made sure she was at Edge Hill University to receive her honorary degree.

The striker received her award from Professor Tanya Byron, chancellor of the Ormskirk university.

Sue, 29, told the Advertiser: “I was away with the England team in Germany at my graduation back in 2003, so getting an honorary degree means a lot to me.

“My parents are here so they’ll finally be able to see me in a cap and gown.”

Sue studied a sports science degree at Edge Hill.

In her first year, while her fellow students were getting used to being away from home and enjoying campus life, Sue was selected to play for England in the UEFA European Women’s Championship..

Sue said: “It was exciting but I was worried about how I would fit in my university work as well, but Edge Hill was so accommodating.”