Five alumni from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences were honoured for their outstanding impact on community, healthcare and innovation in this year’s prestigious Alumni Awards.
Paul Growney, Milo McCabe, Professor Michelle McManus, Professor Richard O Oreffo FMedSci OBE and Victoria Selwyn were recognised for their inspiring achievements in their respective fields and for their contributions in public life, healthcare, research and innovation.
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Winners
Paul Stephen Growney (BSc Hons Psychology 2009)
Paul leads a Merseyside social care charity delivering over 20,000 hours of home care each month. After beginning his degree in chemistry then switching to psychology at the University, he discovered a vocation in mental health through volunteering with Samaritans. He has since led impactful third-sector programmes, founded the Barbara Bettle Foundation (10,000+ funded counselling sessions), served as an NHS non-executive director, and earned multiple awards for community impact and leadership.
Paul said: “I am deeply honoured to be part of the Alumni Awards. It fills me with pride to stand alongside other award recipients. Coming from a family in Liverpool and being the first to attend university, this moment is incredibly significant for both me and my family. Thank you.”
Milo McCabe (BA Hons Psychology 1998)
An actor and comedian, Milo created viral character Troy Hawke and the hit series The Greeters Guild, building a devoted following with sharp improvisation and warmth. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, he also serves as an ambassador for An Hour For Others, supporting Liverpool communities and opening the charity’s Huyton base in character as Troy.
Milo said: “Absolutely delighted. Loved my time at the uni.”
Professor Michelle McManus (MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology 2009; PhD Psychology 2012)
Michelle co-created KIRAT (Kent Internet Risk Assessment Tool), used internationally to help prioritise indecent-image offenders most likely to commit contact sexual abuse, protecting thousands of children and shaping Home Office policy. She has driven UK safeguarding frameworks, advised Government and policing at the national level, and co-founded Manchester Metropolitan’s Institute for Children’s Futures, championing multi-agency, evidence-based responses to harm.
Michelle said: “I was completely shocked and humbled to have even been nominated, never mind selected as a winner. This area of work is hard so to be nominated and winning an award for continuing to push for change in my work is just wonderful! And will definitely keep me going for a fair few more years!”
Professor Richard O C Oreffo FMedSci OBE (BSc Hons Biochemistry 1983)
Richard is Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the University of Southampton and co-founder of Renovos Biologics. A pioneer in skeletal stem cell research, his breakthroughs in bone regenerative medicine have treated over 30 patients and led to more than 350 publications and nine patents. Founder of The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, he was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to education equality and musculoskeletal science.
Richard said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award from the University, it was totally unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed my degree, friends made along the way and the undergraduate experience. I am grateful for my time at the University which, in many ways, provided the foundations for my research career in bone and regenerative medicine.”
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Dr Victoria Selwyn (BSc Hons Physiology 2017)
Victoria is a junior doctor and passionate mental health advocate. She founded Headucate UK, a charity supporting student-led groups nationwide, which has won major grants and national awards, including the Diana Award. Featured by the BBC, Guardian and Times, she presents internationally on psychiatry. Beginning specialist training in 2025, Victoria combines clinical expertise with advocacy to challenge stigma and expand access to mental health support.
Victoria said: “My father passed away in August 2023, I miss him every day - he was my biggest cheerleader when it came to me pursuing my dreams of becoming a doctor. I have him in mind when accepting this award - he’d be so proud of me and would’ve wanted to share in the celebrations and excuse to come visit Liverpool again!”
Now in its fifth year, the Alumni Awards have been honouring the remarkable achievements of our diverse, global community since 2019.
This year the ceremony was held in the Victoria Gallery & Museum on Thursday 25 September in the company of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, together with University staff and alumni award winners from 2024.
Discover the full list of winners or watch the ceremony.