The CEO and Founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, Nick Gazzard, has been honoured for his work in combating domestic abuse.
He was among 10 people at the ceremony who the university said had made an outstanding contribution in Gloucestershire, nationally or on the international stage.
Nick Gazzard said: “For me, it was a real privilege and I am very proud to receive the award, particularly from the University of Gloucestershire where I studied in 1982. From the outset when I set up the trust, it was always my intention to help others and prevent others going through what we went through. I can focus my intention on the issues Hollie faced and deliver education workshops in schools. It’s about providing education to young people in particular,”
As well as overseeing the Hollie Gazzard Trust, Nick has also been a guest lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire on various courses, including paramedic science, policing and criminology.
Nick said: “I use Hollie’s story as an example, it brings it to life and bridges the gap between the theory and the real world and understand what can happen. We get a lot of feedback from individuals to say ‘the trust has helped me’. We, as a trust, have saved a lot of people.”
The University of Gloucestershire said: ”Congratulations to Nick Gazzard for receiving an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant charitable contributions in Gloucestershire, aimed at curbing domestic violence and enhancing safety through educational and awareness initiatives. Nick, who studied at St Paul’s College, a predecessor of University of Gloucestershire, set up the Hollie Gazzard Trust in memory of his daughter who was murdered by her former partner. As founder of the trust, Nick has developed it from a local charity to make a nationwide impact with half a million people using the Hollie Guard app, a personal safety app Nick developed that is recommended by police and domestic abuse charities across the country. The University is honoured to recognise Nick.”
The ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, pro-chancellor of the university, and Chancellor Clare Marchant.
Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk
Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk
Picture by Clint Randall www.pixelprphotography.co.uk