Mum of murdered backpacker honoured by university

Gillian Millane received the honorary doctorate from the University of Lincoln

The mother of a murdered backpacker said she felt "deep gratitude" after being honoured by her daughter's university.

Grace Millane, from Wickford, Essex, was killed in New Zealand in December 2018, on the eve of her 22nd birthday, and just a few months after she graduated from the University of Lincoln.

Her mother Gillian received an honorary doctorate from the university for her charity work to tackle violence against women.

"I am so deeply proud. I was in total shock and disbelief when I found out. All my memories here are happy memories. Grace loved her time here," she said.

Grace graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2018

After Grace's death, her mother and her cousin Hannah O'Callaghan founded the charity initiative Love Grace, which helps domestic abuse victims.

They collect donated handbags and fill them with toiletries for survivors, inspired by Grace's love of handbags.

Gillian also works with the White Ribbon charity, which aims to end male violence against women, and was made an OBE last year.

Seven years ago, Gillian Millane watched her daughter graduate

Gillian Millane has helped thousands of domestic abuse victims in memory of her daughter

In a speech before other graduates, Gillian urged them to use their voices and lift up other people.

"Standing here, I feel the power of family, community and the enduring light of Grace's spirit," she told them.

"Use your voice, your empathy and your knowledge to make a difference - however big or small - in the lives of those around you."