THE founder of children’s charity The Teapot Trust has received an honorary degree from Queen Margaret University.

Laura Young, who set up the charity to fund art therapy for children and young people with long-term medical conditions, received her doctorate during the university’s annual graduation ceremony last Friday.

She was joined by Henry Simmons, chief executive of Alzheimer Scotland Action on Dementia, who also received the honorary award.

The Teapot Trust, which is based in Cockenzie House, was established by Laura and her husband John in 2010 following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Verity, who suffered from the autoimmune disease Lupus.

Verity made a lot of visits to hospital from the age of three when she was being treated for Lupus. Three years later she was diagnosed with cancer and her visits increased.

Laura was aware that Verity associated the visits with pain and anxiety, but when Verity began using art, she realised that it was a successful coping mechanism that helped make her daughter’s time in hospital more bearable and provided an outlet for expressing her feelings.

Laura and John realised there was a gap in the hospital experience and, following their daughter’s death in 2009, the couple established The Teapot Trust to provide an art therapy service.

The work of the Teapot Trust aims to encourage self-expression, reduce anxiety, build resilience and promote healthy coping mechanisms.

In the last year alone, the trust has supported more than 3,500 children and their families.

Professor Alan Gilloran, Deputy Principal of QMU, said the honorary doctorate recognised Laura’s passion for making a difference to people’s lives.

He said: “As QMU is the only provider of education and research in art therapy in Scotland, it is entirely appropriate we recognise Laura Young and her work with The Teapot Trust.

“The impact of Laura’s work with the trust goes far beyond her home county of East Lothian. Laura has established services in six centres across the UK, including the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, South Glasgow University Hospital and even the Rheumatology Ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.” Professor Petra Wend, Principal of QMU, said Laura and Mr Simmons deserved to be recognised.

She said: “We are delighted to honour both these highly influential individuals – Henry Simmons for his visionary work in ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of dementia practice, and Laura Young for her compassion and selflessness in improving the lives of children with enduring medical conditions.

“Both Henry’s and Laura’s achievements in their specialist areas reflect the relevance of the university’s work and its aim of serving communities and improving quality of life.”