'My younger me would've been stunned by doctorate'

A sportswoman said she is “immensely proud” after receiving an honorary doctorate for activism around racism and mental health.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, 46, an ultra-runner, received the award in philosophy from the University of Gloucestershire in November.

She said her "younger years were traumatic" and she "experienced racial abuse" so co-founded Black Trail Runners to increase inclusion and participation of black people.

"I think that small, shy girl would have been stunned by my graduation," she said.

Growing up in a poor, working-class background in a white rural community in Stroud, Ms Pace-Humphreys said she suffered years of racial abuse.

This was followed by teen pregnancy, addiction and suffering extreme post-natal depression after the birth of her fourth child while running a PR company.

She said a GP "saved her" by suggesting she took up running and it helped gradually shift her feelings of failure.

"Younger me would be so proud that we survived and made it through - and thrived," she said.

"Things were - and still are - tough but I’m a real believer we have power to change."

"When I’m being trolled around the work I’m doing in ethnic diversity and feel doors are closed to me, or when I want to revert to the shy girl from my childhood, I think of what I would say to my grandchildren and how I can leave some form of legacy for them," she added.

"You can do things... just think, 'what am I going to do today to potentially change someone’s life?'.

"This award gives me a sense of immense pride that I’m able to use all my life experience for the greater good. And as a 46-year-old woman, I’m living life beyond my wildest dreams."

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