Amy, 36, from Chester, is a pioneering figure in para taekwondo, having amassed a remarkable medal haul across global competitions over nearly three decades in the sport.
Her accolades include a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, gold medals at the 2023 and 2017 World Para Taekwondo Championships, a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and numerous titles from European, Asian, African, and US competitions.
Edge Hill University is honouring Amy for her outstanding contribution to para sport, her commitment to widening participation, and her role as a mentor and inspiration to young people with disabilities and women in sport.
Speaking about receiving the award, Amy said: “I’m absolutely delighted, and I just think it’s a lovely honour, it’s lovely to be recognised and I really appreciate receiving this award.
“My family and friends were really pleased too. They said, ‘you’ve studied your martial arts for 28 years, so it’s an amazing recognition to get’.
“Taekwondo has always been my calling, it’s taught me discipline, organisation, respect and resilience. These are life skills that help you on and off the mat. Whether you’re in the ring or coaching others, there’s something in this sport for everyone.”
Amy received a letter notifying her of the award last year.
“When I saw who the letter was from, I had an inkling what it might be. I opened it and saw I’d been awarded the honorary doctorate. I was really happy with it.”
Amy is also committed to inspiring others, she regularly mentors students and works with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, using sport to teach life skills and values. She is an ambassador of veterans’ care home Broughton House, supports charities such as Reach, which helps young people with limb differences, and has given guided tours of the Team GB Taekwondo facilities to encourage children to see sport as a space where they belong.
She continued: “Being an individual who has a physical impairment, I think I’m constantly proving people wrong, I want to inspire people who look similar to me, that motivates me to keep going.”
“I think true success is about feeling fulfilled, knowing you’ve done what you set out to do and enjoyed the journey. That’s what I always strive for.”
During her visit to campus, Amy had a tour of the Sports department, she said: “The science labs are great, the facilities are fantastic, there’s some cool bit of kit. I haven’t seen or heard of some of the equipment. I’d love to see it in action.”
Amy also met with a group of PhD students, including Liz Hignett who is representing the University in Warsaw at the European Universities (EUSA) Combat Championships 2025 and local Ormskirk School pupil Poppy Gleave, 13. Poppy has trained at Hwan Yeong Taekwondo Academy in Ormskirk since January 2024 and is due to compete in Moldova this year at the 6th Tusah Open Cup.
When Poppy heard that Amy was coming to campus, she really wanted to meet her and have Amy sign her body armour (hogu), she said: “I was so excited to meet Amy, she is so nice and gave me some really good tips for my future competitions.”
Amy’s career in para taekwondo embodies the versatility and determination that Edge Hill University fosters in its students. She has excelled across multiple fields and serves as an inspiring role model.
Her achievements reflect the same values of ambition and breaking barriers that we champion. Her advocacy for inclusivity aligns with our mission to widen participation in education and provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed. Amy is a truly deserving recipient of this honorary doctorate.
Amy received the honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony on Edge Hill’s Ormskirk campus in July 2025.
Find out more about studying Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University and sign up to an Open Day, The next one is on 16 August.
July 22, 2025
