Award for MS sufferer (From Watford Observer)

Julie Howell in line for award from University of Brighton

1:36pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig

An Abbots Langley woman who suffers with multiple sclerosis is set to be presented with a prestigious award.

Julie Howell, of Long Elms, has been named “Alumnus of the Year 2012”, by the Brighton Graduate Association (BGA) of the University of Brighton.

The 40-year-old was among 29 past alumni shortlisted for the award, which recognises professional success demonstrated by notable career achievements, extraordinary community involvement, outstanding personal achievement and significant volunteerism or philanthropy.

According to Ms Howell, who runs a social media training company, this accolade came as a complete surprise.

She said: “I was shortlisted for the award for a number of reasons. Over the years I have given support to students via mentoring and I have set up a website for people with disabilities - Jooly’s Joint.

“The website, which I formed in 2000, is accessed by 60,000 members worldwide with MS, and is something I am particularly proud of.

“When I found out I had won the award, I couldn’t believe it. I’m not talented academically, I just work really hard.

“And given the huge number of outstanding alumni on the list, with some of the nominees dating back to 1962 - long before I was born, I thought I had no chance.”

On Thursday, February 9, Ms Howell will be presented with the award at the Brighton Dome.

But this is not the first time she has been recognised with such a high accolade, in fact, this will be her fifth lifetime achievement award.

She said: “When I was diagnosed with MS in my final year of studying Library and Information Studies at Brighton, I thought that was it for me.

“I thought I would never get a job, I became despondent.

“But in the end, my condition has spurred me on. It may sound perverse, because MS isn’t something I would wish on anyone, but it has opened so many doors for me.

“I’ve been to Downing Street and met with Cherie Blair, and also spoken in front of Jonathon Ross and Julian Clary.

“Over the years I have been given quite a few awards with regards to how I’ve developed new media, particularly to help people with disabilities.

“I’ve made the most of my situation, I’ve used MS to make something of my life.”

As Ms Howell prepares to give her acceptance speech tomorrow in front of thousands of students and staff at Brighton University, there is only thing that is causing her concern.

She said: “It’s not the public speaking, I’m perfectly comfortable talking in front of a huge audience, always have been.

“The reason I’m on edge is because I’ll have to say my speech in front of my hero Nick Cave, who is being given an honorary degree.

“He’s the greatest, I’m only hoping I don’t make a fool out of myself.”