'Legend' Dean Windass to receive honorary degree

Former Premier League footballer Dean Windass is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Hull.

The university described the former Hull City, Bradford City, Aberdeen and Middlesbrough forward as a "legend and community champion".

Windass, who revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with stage two dementia, said it was a "huge honour".

He is one of three people being recognised by the university for "their extraordinary contributions to society, sport, culture and sustainability".

Windass was part of the Bradford City side promoted to the Premier League in 1999 and wrote his name into Hull City folklore with the only goal in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2008, which saw Hull City promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

He also had stints at Aberdeen, Oxford, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United during a career that saw him amass more than 700 appearances and score more than 230 goals.

Since he went public with his dementia diagnosis, he said he had been contacted by many former players worried they might have the condition.

"I'm trying to get as many footballers [as possible] to go for a scan," he said.

The university said Windass, who has also been diagnosed with ADHD, had shown courage speaking publicly about mental health and supporting campaigns around dementia in football.

Commenting on the accolade, Windass said: "I'm an emotional person anyway, and I know my family and friends will be there to watch me pick up the award, so I'm sure there'll be a few tears."

Jaz Ampaw-Farr, a motivational speaker, and Alan Raw, a broadcaster and self-described "eco-futurist", will also receive degrees.

The university's vice-chancellor, Prof Dave Petley, said all three were "being recognised not only for what they have achieved, but for how they inspire others through bold leadership, deep compassion and unwavering determination".

Ampaw-Farr said: "Hull gave me a home when I didn't have a home. I came out of foster care and had nowhere to go in the holidays, but I had a community here.

"So, it [the honorary degree] feels like your mum's proud of you."

Raw said it was "incredibly humbling" and felt like "being seen for my values, rather than the outcomes".

The graduation ceremonies will take place between 14-17 July.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.