Dale Benton

Over 14,000 people will be visiting Lincoln Cathedral from Monday, September 2 as the University of Lincoln’s largest ever graduation ceremony week takes place.

Over 3,000 students will graduate from the university next week, including the first cohort of bachelor’s degree students from the new School of Engineering.

One student in particular who will be amongst the students graduating is Kristina Key. In 2008, just two months before she was due to begin her university career, Kristina suffered a debilitating head injury that caused deterioration in her speech, weakness in both hands and intolerance to light.

After working hard through adversity, Kristina will join her peers to celebrate as she collects her degree in Health and Social Care.

Special guests

Journalist John Sergeant

A number of famous faces will also be attending the ceremonies after being invited to accept honorary degrees in recognition for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

Award-winning journalist John Sergeant will become an Honorary Doctor of Letters, after a career spanning five decades has seen him propelled to become known as one of the nations most distinguished journalists.

He will be joined on Tuesday, September 3 by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Blair, who will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Other honorary graduates include Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating, architectural historian Anne Coltman OBE, organist at Lincoln Cathedral Colin Walsh and Graham Secker, Pro Chancellor at the University of Lincoln.

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Blair

Vice Chancellor Professor Mary stuart said: “Graduation is a moment of great celebration for our students, and their friends and families, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work.

“It is also an important time for our academic staff, who take great pride in the achievements of each and every one of their students.

“This year we are delighted to be recognising the first cohort of graduates from the University’s new School of Engineering, who along with their peers throughout the University, have exciting prospects ahead of them.

“There can be few more spectacular settings to recognise their accomplishments, and those of our honorary graduates, than Lincoln Cathedral. We very much look forward to celebrating with all of our guests.”

A local doorman will attempt to pull a 16 tonne fire truck through Lincoln in aid of a Lincolnshire charity for those suffering from a rare type of bone cancer.

Strongman David Johnson, who works as a doorman for local nightclub Home, will be attempting the impressive feat on Saturday, September 21 at 2.30pm in St. Mark’s Square.

David is not only supporting the local fundraiser Ethan Maull, but also honouring the memory of his close friend Mark Browne who battled cancer for three years.

David said: “His message was simple, [cancer] has no favourites, it doesn’t care who it takes, there is no defence. Only you can stop it and only you. So if you are not sure, get yourself to the doctors and get the problem sorted.”

He added: “Get yourself checked out and please don’t be another victim to this horrible thing we call cancer. The word alone makes me feel sick. It’s in your hands to stand up and fight this disease head on, life is for living so don’t ignore the warning signs and do something about it.

“This year we are helping to raise funds for the Ethan Maull Foundation, an amazing little boy and an amazing charity and we appreciate all the support.”

The Ethan Maull Up Yours To Cancer Foundation was set up after Torksey school boy Ethan was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in December 2012.

Ethan, a regular fund raiser for cancer charities for the past three years, wants to continue raising funds and supporting these charities through the foundation by helping other young people and providing support for families who must travel long distances for their children’s treatment.

Mark Smith, Promotions Manager at Home nightclub, will be proudly supporting David and his cause: “This event is an amazing feat of strength to raise money for the foundation of an amazing little boy.

He said: “Home is proud to get behind such a worthy cause and we hope the rest of Lincoln can show their support.”

To find out more about the Charity Truck Pull visit the Facebook page here.