Gillian Millane OBE to Receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Lincoln
3 September 2025
Written by: Hannah McGowan
Gillian Millane OBE will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Lincoln, UK, in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to fundraising and her tireless campaign on tackling violence against women.
The University’s Graduation ceremonies this year will take place from Monday 8 September to Monday 15 September, with Gillian receiving her award on the opening day. 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 and are more than just a formal tradition – they mark students’ enormous achievements as they step forward into their future.
Gillian Millane OBE is a mother, florist and women’s safety advocate. She ran a successful florist business for more than 20 years and has raised three children – Michael, Declan and Grace – with her late husband David.
While battling breast cancer in 2018 her daughter, Grace, was tragically murdered in New Zealand, after graduating from the University of Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing. Just 17 months later, she also lost her husband to cancer.
Since then, Gillian has devoted herself to charitable fundraising and advocacy who 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.
Speaking about her award, Gillian Millane OBE, commented: “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.”
In Grace’s memory, Gillian has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest Base Camp, 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.
She 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 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.