FABRICE Muamba will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton to celebrate the work of the teams who rushed to his aid.

The 24-year-old is said to be “humbled” to receive the doctorate and said he owes the people who helped with his recovery after his heart stopped for 78 minutes in March.

He said: “I would like to thank the University of Bolton for this award of an Honorary Doctorate. I am very humbled to accept it on behalf of all the amazing men and women who combined to save my life, the paramedics and medical teams of Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham, ambulance personnel, and of course the consultants, doctors and nurses at the London Chest hospital, my family and I owe them all so much.”

Dragon’s Den businesses woman Hilary Devey, actor and playwright Ayub Khan-Din, BBC commissioning editor Aaqil Ahmed, theatre director John Blackmore, health campaigner Ann Johnson, community champion and businessman David Kaye, super-car developer Tony Keating, Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris and academics Professor Peter Simons and Dr Geoffrey Tabbron will also graduate this summer.

Cllr Cliff Morris is being acknowledged for his successful business career and his service to the community.

Vice Chancellor Dr George Holmes: “We will be delighted to welcome our honorands to the University, all of whom have excelled in their professional and public life and have also done so much for their communities.

“Fabrice is an exceptional young man in his own right but he will receive his honorary doctorate to celebrate and recognise the work of the teams who rushed to his aid. The University is developing its strength in the field of sports science and associated clinical work for elite athletes. There can be no better example of the work of clinicians than the emergency treatment Fabrice received.”

They will be honoured by the University at its degree congregation ceremonies on July 11, 12 and 13 when graduating students, their friends and families will celebrate academic success.