Kylie Minogue has received an honorary degree from Anglia Ruskin University

Kylie Minogue has received an honorary degree from Anglia Ruskin University, Essex. The popstar collected the Doctor of Health Science award yesterday, marking her work in promoting breast cancer awareness.

Minogue was diagnosed with the disease in 2005, but was given the all-clear the following year after undergoing a gruelling treatment process. Earlier this year, she marked her fifth anniversary of being in remission.

“I was incredibly honoured by today’s ceremony and it was an inspiration to be amongst the graduates at Anglia Ruskin University,” the 43-year-old said.

“Hopefully my award will help to inspire both the researchers into breast cancer and those affected by it.”

Minogue was among 12 recipients of honorary degrees at the graduation, including Jilly Cooper, Mark Foster and Paralympian Mike Brace.

“We make honorary awards to individuals of extraordinary talent who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field of endeavour,” said Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin. “We hope that the recipients of these honorary awards will serve as examples to our graduates.”