Gee founded the Anthony Walker Foundation following the racially motivated murder of her 18-year-old son, Anthony, in 2005. Rather than letting tragedy break her spirit, she chose to channel her grief into a powerful force for positive change and her pain into purpose.
Driven by a determination that no other family should experience such pain, she has spent more than two decades championing racial harmony, challenging hate crime, and empowering young people.
Her immense contributions have previously been recognised with an MBE, a Pride of Britain Award and the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award.
Reflecting on receiving the news of her honorary doctorate, Gee Walker said she felt “deeply humbled and very grateful,” describing it as an honour she never expected.
Gee continued: “The recognition is not about personal achievement but about the work of the Anthony Walker Foundation team, also the support of the people of Liverpool and Merseyside and the continued effort to build safer, more compassionate communities.
“I hope the award encourages others to hold on to their convictions, even in the face of adversity and to believe that something meaningful can grow from even the most difficult circumstances.
“I hope my story will inspire students to act with courage, kindness and purpose and remind them that they each have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.”
She reflected that her journey has been grounded in faith, resilience and a commitment to ensuring that her son Anthony’s legacy lives on through positive change.
Guided by her Christian faith, Gee’s enduring message centres on love, forgiveness and standing up against injustice.
Addressing the graduates, she shared her hope that her story would inspire students to act with courage, kindness, and purpose, reminding them that they each have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
Receiving a well-deserved standing ovation, it was clear the audience was deeply moved by her powerful words.
Professor George Talbot, Acting Joint Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University, praised her profound impact:
“We are truly delighted to award Gee Walker an honorary doctorate. I simply cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. Gee’s unbelievable strength and her tireless work through the Anthony Walker Foundation have left an indelible mark on our society.
Like Gee, as a university, we are deeply committed to educating our students to make a positive impact in the world and their communities. We are proud to welcome her into the Edge Hill family, and we look forward to working closely with her to continue spreading Anthony’s spirit of hope, education and unity for generations to come.”
Through her advocacy, Dr Gee Walker remains an enduring beacon of hope proving that resilience and love can overcome even the darkest of prejudices and build safer, stronger communities for all.
To find out more about the department of Law and Criminal Justice at Edge Hill University or come along to our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 15 August 2026.
July 24, 2026
