A CITY actor has been honoured by a prestigious music school after challenging sexual abuse laws.

 

Matthew McVarish was astounded to discover he had been given an honorary doctorate form the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland last night.

The Glasgow-born CBeebies star was invited to a homecoming event at the Conservatoire where he studied before becoming an actor.

Matthew, 32, was a victim of child sexual abuse and is now the European ambassador for Stop The Silence, a charity which helps children and adults who have been affected by sexual abuse.

Star of CBeebies' Mee Too programme, Matthew walked 10,000 miles across Europe over two years raising awareness about child sexual abuse and challenging laws in each country.

He was presented with an honorary Doctorate last night, at a ceremony attended by Deacon Blue's Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross.

Glasgow comedian Janey Godley, actor Tom Urie and Scotland's Makar Liz Lochhead also attended the commemorative event.

Professor Maggie Kinloch, who sponsored Matthew for the degree, said: " It has been a privilege and pleasure for the Royal Conservatoire to recognise one of our own.

Matthew's inspirational achievements will without doubt change the lives of some of society's most vulnerable children.

"As one of the world's leading schools for the performing arts, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland takes great pride in the fact we produce not only the finest artistic talent but also international cultural leaders and citizens who are engaged in the world in which they live.

"Matthew is a fine ambassador for this institution and for Scotland and we are delighted to have been able to honour him in this special way."

Matthew will now complete the final mile of his Road to Change journey on February 7.

He will walk Edinburgh's Royal Mile joined by many of his family, friends and supporters.

As reported in the Evening Times, former Scotswoman of the Year nominee Geraldine Lynch was taking up her own walking challenge in support of Matthew.

The Govan foster carer and her eight children managed to clock up 1000 miles over three weeks, raising much-needed cash to support Matthew's journey.