Charity pioneer receives honorary doctorate

A charity boss who has spent his career supporting deaf communities has been given an honorary doctorate.

Mark Wheatley received the award from the University of Wolverhampton during its graduation ceremonies at University of Wolverhampton The Halls.

In January he became the first permanent deaf leader of the Royal Association of Deaf people since it was founded in 1841.

The university also awarded Wolverhampton businessman Ranjit Singh Dale an honorary fellowship for making a difference in improving people’s lives in the city.

The university said Mr Wheatley had made a "significant contribution" to his field of expertise.

Mr Wheatley was previously the executive director at the European Union of the Deaf where he worked to promote sign languages across dozens of countries.

"I’m honoured to receive this award from the University of Wolverhampton," he said.

"It reflects the combined effort of many who strive to advance deaf rights and accessibility.

"I’m proud to be part of this ongoing journey towards a more inclusive world."

Awards are being given out at the university's graduation ceremonies this week.

For the last 25 years, Mr Dale provided jobs with his company SCP Group and helped raise more than £25,000 during the Covid-19 pandemic towards safety equipment for the NHS, the university said.

He said he was proud of his achievements and the university honour was "not just an acknowledgment of my achievements but a celebration of the people and the community who stood by me, believed in me, and helped me become who I am today".

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