The University of Nottingham

A Nottingham professor and alumna who has dedicated her professional life to helping to rehabilitate people affected by stroke was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in recognition of her work.

Professor Marion Walker (Occupational Health Psychology 1992), Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation at The University of Nottingham’s Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. It is just fantastic that the work of stroke rehabilitation research at the University has been recognised in this way. Improving the quality of life of stroke survivors is central to all our efforts.”

Professor Walker was among a host of alumni, University colleagues and research patients to greet HRH The Princess Royal when she visited the University in January to celebrate the 25th anniversary year of occupational therapy research in the Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing. The royal visitor heard how 25 years of work by Nottingham occupational therapy researchers has helped to lessen the impact of disease and disability on everyday life and deliver innovation in patient rehabilitation.

Dr Pip Logan, Associate Professor in Community Rehabilitation and Chair of the College of Occupational Therapists’ specialists section on Neurological Practice, said: “We were really pleased and excited to be able to welcome The Princess Royal to the University. Our research is aimed at improving the quality of life for people with long term medical conditions while avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and our results influence clinical care in the UK and abroad. The first UK Doctorate of Occupational Therapy graduated from the University and at present we are the largest group of clinical research active occupational therapists in the UK.”

The Princess Royal also heard how the importance of stroke rehabilitation has been recognised by the University through its Impact Campaign, which aims to raise £150m in philanthropic support across five strategic themes over the next five years. Find out more at: http://tiny.cc/Impactstroke.

See more photos of the Princess Royal’s visit at: http://tiny.cc/UoNflickrRoyal.