Receiving this honour was a special moment in my life

Receiving this honour was a special moment in my life

26 October 2016

DOWNPATRICK’S Tim Wheeler has been honoured by the Open University.

The lead singer and founder member of rock group Ash was honoured last week when he received the award of Doctor of the University at a ceremony in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

The singer, songwriter and Alzheimer’s campaigner, joined almost 280 other graduating students of all ages from all walks of life and backgrounds and from a spectrum of careers at the ceremony.

The Downpatrick man was recognised for his exceptional contribution to education and culture. Forming Ash with Down High School friends Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray in the early 1990s, Tim was the main song writer over eight albums and has gone on to write film and television soundtracks. 

The Open University makes honorary awards in line with its mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas and the promotion of social justice through the development of knowledge and skills. 

Tim’s work promoting awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and in particular his work with Alzheimer’s UK, strikes a particular chord with The Open University which has a team of researchers funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

Their work in studying the effects of a protein in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s, could provide insights in how to keep the brain healthy and prevent the onset of the disease.

Several years ago, Tim recorded a heartfelt debut solo album in response to the loss of his father, George, who had dementia. During the course of the 11 songs which make up the album Lost Domain, the Downpatrick singer charts the progression of his father’s condition, battles to come to terms with his death and celebrates the strength of his family.

The Ash frontman, who was behind a string of 90s chart hits including Girl from Mars, Oh Yeah and Shining Light, also co-produced the music for the Dementia Friends TV advertisement which featured a host of celebrities including Lilly Allen and Coldplay’s Chris Martin singing along to the 

Beatles classic, With a Little Help from My Friends.

Many of the graduates who attended last week’s Open University ceremony at the Waterfront have fitted their study around work or family commitments. Some have a disability or live in a remote or rural community, while others did not have traditional university entry qualifications, or came from low-income households. 

Tim, who is now a Doctor of the University, said he is “incredibly grateful and proud” to have received an honorary doctorate from The Open University in Belfast.

He added: “I’ve very fond memories of the Waterfront Hall when Ash played the Good Friday Referendum concert with U2. Returning to the stage to receive this honour was another very special moment in my life.”

John D’Arcy, National Director of The Open University, said its students are a constant source of inspiration, working hard to fit learning into their lives and proving that part-time higher education makes a meaningful difference to individuals, families and communities. He added: “We were delighted  to welcome Tim Wheeler as one of our exceptional honorary graduates to The Open University family.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who was at last week’s graduation ceremony has congratulated Tim on his honorary degree.

“Tim has carried out a great deal of work in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and funding for research, following the loss of his father George to the disease in 2011,” said the MP. “I congratulate Tim and the many other graduates on their studies and contribution to society.”