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Mum of murdered backpacker honoured by university

Charlie JonesBBC News, Essex
News imageSarah-May Buccieri/BBC Gillian wears a black graduation cap and red and blue gown. She is smiling at the camera. She is in a marquee, with people behind her out of focus.Sarah-May Buccieri/BBC
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.

News imageLucie Blackman Trust Grace Millane pictured at the bottom of a staircase. She is wearing a mortar board hat and black gown for a graduation ceremony. She has long brown hair and is smiling.Lucie Blackman Trust
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.

News imageUniversity of Lincoln Grace in a cap and gown stands smiling with her mother, who wears a blue dress. They are standing outside in front of a black backdrop, with the wording printed "continue your adventure".University of Lincoln
Seven years ago, Gillian Millane watched her daughter graduate
News imageSarah-May Buccieri/BBC Gillian stands on stage in her cap and gown on graduation day. In front of her, on stage, are other graduates in gowns and wearing caps. They appear to be in a cathedral.Sarah-May Buccieri/BBC
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."

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