BOTHAM AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE

Sir Ian Botham added a doctorate to his list of titles today after accepting an honorary law degree in recognition of his work in sport and charity.

Botham donned the graduation gown to become a Doctor of Laws at the University of Bath this afternoon.

The former England all-rounder was one of 650 graduates who collected degrees at Bath Abbey and marked the end of their studies.

Botham said: "I am delighted to have been awarded this honorary degree. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the tradition and the history here in Bath. This area was the springboard for my career, so it has real significance for me."

His link with Somerset began in the 1950s and he later played for the county before going on to enjoy an international cricket career spanning 15 years.

He is recognised as one of the world's greatest all-rounders and one of England's most recognisable cricketers.

He said: "For me, sport is to be enjoyed. If you want to be a winner that has to be your goal. You have to give it your best shot. If you can make yourself into a winner it is a great feeling."

Botham's commitment to charity has seen him raise more than £10million for Leukaemia Research since the 1980s by leading a series of long-distance walks across the UK.

He added: "The next walk is planned for October when we will walk through nine cities. We have been to so many places, it was hard to find cities that we had not been to yet.

"When we started the walks in the 1980s, the survival rate for a child with leukaemia has increased to more than 80%. From the money we have raised we have built a research centre in Glasgow which is a world leader. This is all down to the people who have donated money to the cause."

Botham also supports the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which raises awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome in children. He also backs the brain tumour charity Andrea's Gift and Help for Heroes, which supports those wounded in war.

University Orator Dr Avi Shankar said: "The University of Bath takes pride in nurturing future British sporting talent, and we are delighted to confer an honorary degree on one of our greatest ever sporting heroes."

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