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Writer, advocate, and BSU student, Jonathan Bryan awarded posthumous degree in BA Creative Writing

Wednesday, 5 August, 2026

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ was honoured to award writer, advocate, and BSU student, Jonathan Bryan, a posthumous degree in BA Creative Writing at its 2026 Summer Graduation ceremony. 

An inspiration to many, Jonathan changed countless lives through his writing and his advocacy. Until he was nine years old, he was unable to communicate with the world. Living with severe cerebral palsy, a condition that made him incapable of voluntary movement or speech, it was his mum who taught him that by using his eye movements like a pencil, his eyes could become his voice.

A published author and Founder of the charity , Jonathan first visited BSU in 2018 to discuss the importance of ensuring every child is taught to read and write, giving the University its first glimpse into the advocacy and passion that defined his young life.

When he returned as a student, he threw himself into his studies and university life with an infectious enthusiasm, joining clubs and societies and settling into university accommodation. Speaking about his time at BSU, his mum, Chantal, said: 

“Jonathan loved his time at BSU. It gave him the chance to study the subject he was passionate about with other young people who shared that love, and to learn from experts in the field. He was still joining recorded lectures from his hospital bed.  

“University also gave him the chance to have the same experiences as his peers. He lived in a university house, joined clubs and societies (the president of the Pool Society was still talking about how Jonathan beat him once at his funeral), and became part of the Christian Union community. 

“We are deeply thankful for this honour and for the way BSU celebrated Jonathan's life and work.”

Jonathan’s dedication to helping others find their voice did not go unnoticed, and he was recognised with a , an honour reserved for Diana Award recipients who have gone on to ‘change the world,’ a testament to how far his message travelled.

His tireless campaigning put him in front of government ministers and national newspapers, with a conviction that belied his age, and his boundless creativity saw him become a published author at just 12 years old when he released his first book, Eye Can Write: A memoir of a child's silent soul emerging, with a foreword by eminent children’s author and close friend, Sir Michael Morpurgo. 

Hailed as a ‘voice for the voiceless,’ Jonathan wrote with a precision that spoke to his deep love of writing, drawing readers into his journey toward finding his voice. At 19, he had left a remarkable imprint on the world. 

Jonathan’s life and work were honoured during the Graduation ceremony by Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, Lucy Sweetman, who spoke about Jonathan’s love for his course, followed by a video and speech from Michael Morpurgo. 

Jonathan’s degree was presented by Chancellor of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, Sharanjit Leyl, and accepted by his sister to a resounding standing ovation.

Recalling time spent with Jonathan, and the immense impact he had on the world, Michael Morpurgo said in his speech: 

“For those who knew him. He will be remembered for who he was, for his warmth and thoughtfulness, for his intellect, for his remarkable insight and intelligence, and for his writing. And I'd like especially to thank everyone at BSU for enabling this moment to celebrate the life of the wonderful Jonathan Bryan. 

“It's such an honour to be part of it.” 

“He did not leave us. He lives on in our hearts. I think ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ should be proud to have him now as a graduate.” 

And we are.