Veteran footballer Niall Quinn, who gave the proceeds from his testimonial season to children's charities, has been chosen to receive an honorary degree from Sunderland University.
The well-loved Ireland international, who was praised in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister for his generosity, will receive the accolade at a ceremony later this month.
He has recently been made a player coach with Sunderland, the Premiership team he joined in 1996, after returning from a brave performance with the Republic in the World Cup.
Tony Blair paid tribute to Quinn for his decision to hand over gate receipts from a testimonial game at Sunderland's Stadium of Light to children's charities in Dublin, Wearside and Calcutta.
Quinn, who has retired from the international game after winning more than 90 caps, will receive an Honorary Fellowship.
At the same ceremony, Bafta winning actress Gina McKee, who starred in ITV's Forsyte Saga, is to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article