HSP Associates Recognised in University of Hertfordshire Honorary Awards 2026

Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) is proud to celebrate the recognition of two valued HSP associates, John O'Callaghan and Annie Brewster DL JP, who have been named among the University of Hertfordshire's Honorary Award recipients for 2026.

Former HSP Director John O'Callaghan, who recently retired after many years leading the Partnership, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Sports Science. The University recognised John as a lifelong advocate for the power of sport and physical activity to strengthen communities, highlighting both his leadership of the Hertfordshire Sport & Physical Activity Partnership and his self-declared role as a global pioneer of walking squash. Throughout his career, John has been instrumental in championing the role of sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire, reducing barriers for those that could benefit most from being active, improving health, wellbeing and community connections.  

Reflecting on receiving the award, John said:

"I felt incredibly proud, deeply honoured and, if I'm honest, absolutely chuffed to receive such a prestigious award. It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.To be recognised in this way is truly humbling.

While I am honoured to receive this award personally, it also reflects the achievements of the many people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. I would like to thank the HSP team, past and present, as well as our many partners across Hertfordshire and beyond. Their passion, commitment and friendship not only helped deliver so much positive change through sport and physical activity but also made my time at HSP one of the most rewarding and enjoyable chapters of my life."

Annie Brewster DL JP, a member of the HSP Board, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her distinguished contribution to public and community service.

The University highlighted Annie's exceptional leadership across more than two decades in local government and civic roles, including serving as Mayor of St Albans, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and a Justice of the Peace. Whilst serving her year as the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie’s chosen charity theme, 'Sport for Good', helped raise awareness of the transformative power of sport and physical activity. Throughout her year in office, Annie championed the role that sport and physical activity can play in improving lives, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, closely aligning with HSP's vision for a more active and healthier Hertfordshire.

Addressing graduates, Annie described receiving the award as the “greatest honour imaginable” and reflected on some of the lessons she has learned throughout her career. She encouraged graduates not to worry if their lives do not follow the path they originally planned, but instead to have a compass guided by “kindness, courage and service”.

When asked to reflect on the award, Annie commented:

“It was a completely unexpected honour, and one I will truly treasure. I never imagined that I would receive an honorary doctorate, which makes the recognition all the more amazing, particularly from a university that has supported my work so generously over many years and played such an instrumental part in the life of Hertfordshire.”

Both John and Annie have made an enormous contribution to HSP and the wider Hertfordshire community through their leadership, advocacy and commitment to improving lives. Their recognition by the University of Hertfordshire is richly deserved and reflects the significant and lasting impact they have had across sport, physical activity, health and public service.

Everyone at HSP extends their warmest congratulations to John and Annie on this fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement.