JK Rowling Receives Honorary Doctorate  7/7/06

Harry Potter author JK Rowling received an honorary doctorate from Aberdeen University in Scotland today (06JUL06), in recognition of charity work for Multiple Sclerosis research.

The bestselling writer's mother, Anne, suffered from the disease which caused her nervous system to waste away. She died aged 45, inspiring her daughter to sponsor research.

Rowling later became the president of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland and has made many donations to Aberdeen University's Institute of Medical Sciences to continue research.

Neva Haites, the head of the university's College of Life Sciences and Medicine says, "What is less well known is Ms Rowling's significant contribution to many charitable causes.

"She is an example of a Scottish leader who has used her reputation and wealth to support the battle for improving human health and for fighting human disease."