Touching tribute from graduate’s proud mum

Proud mum Lorraine Marsh felt inspired after hearing an academic awards speech given by Teesside University Honorary Graduate Anna Kennedy OBE.

Autism campaigner Anna gave a moving speech during one of the 14 academic award ceremonies taking place over seven days, as around 4,000 Teesside University graduates celebrated their academic success.

Anna, the locally born director of a major autism charity, was among notable people also receiving an honorary degree.

Lorraine, of Norton, was watching Anna’s speech on the giant screen near to mima in Middlesbrough, ahead of her own son Jonathan’s graduation from the BSc (Hons) Software Development.

She said: 'We were watching Anna’s speech on the big screen to help prepare Jonathan for his own ceremony which was taking place later that same week, so he could see what it would all involve.

'As a mum of a son with Asperger's syndrome, I was really moved as I watched and listened to Anna. I wanted to reach out to her, from one mum to another as I agreed so much with her sentiments, that these youngsters deserve a future but much can also depend on having mum there to push ahead for them.'

So inspired by what she heard, Lorraine sent message of congratulations to Anna on becoming an honorary graduate – which led the two mums to meet up in person on the day of Jonathan’s ceremony.

Lorraine said: 'The University has been really supportive and I've also sent my thanks to the University’s Student Services for all the support they've provided and also in helping to raise the profile of people with autism.'

Jonathan, 22, who is due to start an internship in the New Year with an electronics firm in Eaglescliffe, said: 'I really enjoyed the degree. I’ve always been interested in computing and electronics. The University was a really positive environment.

'I'm looking forward to starting work on the internship, which will involve producing software for equipment and databases.'

Anna said: 'When I read Lorraine’s email, which she sent to me after hearing my speech, it made me feel very emotional. To know that she had been standing outside the Town Hall watching my speech on the big screen ahead of her son’s own graduation really moved me.

'It was lovely to receive such a positive message from another mum from my home town on the day that I received my honorary degree from Teesside University.'

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