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BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie receives honorary doctorate

The Bolton-born star encouraged his fellow graduates to push themselves to "be the best version you can be".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 18th July 2023

Clive Myrie reveals what he believes is “the key to all success” as he was made an honorary doctorate by Edge Hill University.

The BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter – who was born and raised in Bolton as the son of Windrush generation parents from Jamaica – has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout his impressive and admirable three decade-long career, but this award is sure to be something he remembers for a long time.

The 58-year-old has been made an honorary doctorate of the arts by Edge Hill University.

The Ormskirk-based University presented Myrie with the prestigious honour at one of their graduation ceremonies this week “in recognition of his work bringing major news of recent history to the television screen”.

Myrie’s interest in news was sparked as he read newspapers from cover to cover during his first job delivering papers in Bolton as a teenager.

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After graduating with a law degree from the University of Sussex, Myrie then joined the BBC’s journalism training scheme and began his career in local radio in Bristol, before moving to the radio and TV newsroom in London shortly after, and then taking on the role of foreign correspondent based all over the world.

He’s reported in over hundred countries throughout his career, and has covered some of the most important stories of the last 30 years.

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The journalist and presenter addressed the hundreds of “champions and winners” during their graduation ceremony as he accepted the honorary doctorate this week, and offered them some words of advice for the future.

Clive Myrie receives honorary doctorate from Edge Hill University / Credit: Edge Hill University

“There’s no question I’m surrounded in this hall by champions and winners,” Myrie said in his acceptance speech.

He continued: “You, my fellow graduates, have worked hard for this day.

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“Hard work is undoubtedly the key to all success and it’s what got you all here today. It’s said that if you find the job you love, you will never work again [and] that’s what I fervently hope your degrees from this wonderful University will mean for you.

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“In everything you do from this day forward, push yourself to be the best version you can be.”

Featured Image – Edge Hill University

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2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

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This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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