THE founder of a global anti-bullying charity has become a university’s youngest recipient of an honorary degree.

Liam Hackett, founder of Ditch The Label, was presented with an honorary degree at the University of Sussex, where he studied business and management.

And to make the day even more special for Liam, the ceremony also fell on the day of his 27th birthday, making him the university’s youngest honorary graduate.

Liam, from Sutton and now based in Brighton, founded the anti-bullying organisation aged 16 after starting a MySpace page reaching out to other people impacted by bullying.

He expanded the business while he was studying for his degree in business and management at the University of Sussex.

Now Ditch the Label is a thriving charity, which has recently expanded into the USA and Mexico, and has helped hundreds of thousands of young people affected by bullying.

Liam attended the university’s winter graduation event to receive his honorary Doctor of the University degree.

“To be honoured as the youngest ever honorary graduate is one of my proudest moments and I truly am speechless,” said former Carmel student Liam.

“Ditch the Label is now a global movement and I am proud to devote my career to standing up for the civil rights and liberties of others.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Adam Tickell added: “At the University of Sussex we are proud to be known for our thoughtful and alternative approach to the world.

“We aim to attract students with passion, who think differently, and to develop these skills during their time here – encouraging them to dare to debate, and to affect real change in their communities.

“Liam Hackett is a notable alumni and is an excellent example of the values we hold dear here. His drive to help other young people and his innovation and determination to succeed make him a role model.”

See ditchthelabel.org for more on the charity.