Honorary Degree for Gary Mabbutt

Legendary former captain and current Club Ambassador Gary Mabbutt has received an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Health) in recognition of his distinguished playing career and tireless campaigning on behalf of diabetes charities.

‘Mabbsy’, who played 611 times during a 16-year career at White Hart Lane, winning the 1984 UEFA Cup and 1991 FA Cup, collected his Doctorate from the University of Bath on Thursday.

After arriving at the Club from Bristol Rovers in 1982, the defender served us with distinction through until 1998, captaining the side for 11 years and establishing himself as one of our longest-serving players of all time. He was also capped 16 times by England and in 1993 was awarded an MBE for services to sport.

His professional sporting achievements are even more remarkable given his diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at the age of just 17. At that point, Gary’s professional career hung in the balance, but his success both on and off the field serves as a reminder that diabetes need not act as a barrier, even when it comes to competing at the highest level of sport.

Since his retirement from playing, in addition to his ongoing role as a Club Ambassador, Gary has tirelessly campaigned on behalf of Diabetes UK as Honorary Vice-President and supports the work of the Club and its Foundation with a focus on the areas of health and wellbeing.

Professor Stephen Ward, Head of the University of Bath’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, said: “Gary Mabbutt’s tireless work as a public voice for raising awareness of diabetes, breaking down barriers and perceptions and living with its consequences over several decades are strongly aligned with the University’s training of healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, as well as extensive diabetes-related research programmes performed across several departments. It is therefore entirely appropriate that his work and commitment should be recognized by the University of Bath with an Honorary Degree.”

Other sports personalities and representatives of diabetes charities have given their backing to Gary’s recognition by the University of Bath.

Five-time Olympic gold medal winner Sir Steve Redgrave said: “I know from first-hand experience the dedication and application required to pursue a career in top-level sport while living with diabetes. So for Gary to have played so many games for Tottenham Hotspur and England after being diagnosed aged 17 is nothing short of remarkable. I congratulate him not only on this Honorary Degree but his many years as a great ambassador and inspiration for all those in the diabetes community.”

Ben Coker, current captain of League One side Southend United, said: “When I was diagnosed with diabetes, my first question was, ‘can I play football on Saturday?’ But growing up and knowing about Gary Mabbutt made me realise that I probably could. Nowadays there are a few pro footballers with Type 1 diabetes but Gary has been an inspiration for so many of us over the years. I’m very glad to see he’s being honoured like this.”

Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, added: “Gary Mabbutt has long been a supporter of Diabetes UK’s work and his commitment to helping people with diabetes predates even the Premier League. For decades, he has been tireless in his commitment to helping others with the condition, from discussing the complications which can arise to lighting up Wembley Stadium blue to promote World Diabetes Day. We are all delighted our Honorary Vice President is being recognised in this way.”

University of Bath researchers are currently leading on breakthrough technology that could revolutionise diabetes monitoring through a non-invasive, adhesive patch.