Honorary Doctorate for murdered student’s mum

Honorary Doctorate for murdered student’s mum

Gillian Millane OBE will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Lincoln in recognition of her work tackling violence against women.       

Gillian’s daughter, Grace, graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2018 just before she was murdered in New Zealand. 

Her mum has since devoted herself to fundraising and advocacy highlighting violence against women and will be following in Grace’s footsteps when she receives her award on the first day of university’s graduation ceremonies taking place next week, September 8 - 15, 

There will be a total of 14 ceremonies held in Lincoln Cathedral, each followed by celebrations in the grounds of Lincoln Castle. Held twice a year, the graduation ceremonies are a highlight in the university’s calendar marking students’ achievements as they take the next steps in their futures. 

Gillian ran a successful florist business for more than 20 years and raised three children - Michael, Declan and Grace - with her late husband David.
 
Grace’s murder occurred while Gillian was battling breast cancer. Grace had just graduated from the University of Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in advertising and marketing. Just 17 months later Gillian also lost her husband to cancer.
 
Gillian was instrumental in campaigning for change in the law in England and Wales to ban the use of the so-called ‘rough sex’ defence, ensuring victims can no longer be blamed for their own deaths.

Grace thoroughly enjoyed her time at the University of Lincoln and it is with deep love and pride that I will accept this honorary degree,” said Gillian.

Gillian has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest Base Camp in Grace’s memory, raising both awareness and vital funds for women’s safety. Each year, the University of Lincoln honours Grace through “Grace’s Week,” supporting this cause.

Gillian also co-founded Love Grace a charity which provides handbags filled with essential items to women fleeing domestic abuse. To date, the initiative has supported more than 33,000 women worldwide, offering dignity and empowerment at moments of crisis.
 
In recognition of this work Gillian (pictured below) received a Points of Light Award from then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and in 2024 was honoured with an OBE presented by HRH Prince William.

Gillian is pictured above with daughter Grace at the latter’s University of Lincoln graduation ceremony in 2018.

gillian millane graduation2

Date

04 September 2025

Tags

News