A Harrow resident has been awarded an honorary degree by Middlesex University in recognition of her work in fashion, disability advocacy, and inclusion.
Roxy Murray, who is known to many as the ‘Multiple Sclerosis Fashionista’, was honoured during the university’s 2025 Graduation Week at a special ceremony held on Monday 23 June.
Roxy, who lives in Harrow and studied at Middlesex University, is an internationally recognised fashion stylist and podcaster. She uses her personal experience to advocate for disability rights and greater representation of Black, Ethnically Diverse, LGBTQ+ communities and people with chronic illnesses.
Originally from Paddington, Roxy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2014 while studying Fashion Design, Styling and Promotion. Since then, she has used her background in fashion to promote adaptive fashion and encourage the use of mobility aids with confidence and style.
Through her podcast, The Sick and Sickening, she raises awareness of topics like body positivity and inclusion, and works to empower those who feel excluded due to illness or disability.
Speaking about the honorary degree, Roxy said: “Receiving recognition of my achievements and contributions is a profoundly humbling moment. As someone living boldly with Multiple Sclerosis, championing disability rights, adaptive fashion, and radical inclusivity, this honour is a powerful affirmation that lived experience, creative advocacy, and unapologetic authenticity are worthy of celebration.
“This isn’t just a personal milestone but a collective triumph for every disabled, queer, and chronically ill person who has ever felt unseen or unheard. It sends a clear message that voices like mine belong at the table, in the spotlight, and in the future we are all shaping together.”
Roxy also credited Middlesex University for helping shape her identity and purpose: “What stands out most about Middlesex is its ongoing commitment to nurturing changemakers. It’s a place that not only teaches you how to create, but also why your voice and your vision matter. Returning to Middlesex feels like a full circle moment for me.”
Encouraging students to embrace their individuality, she added: “Stay curious on your journey, open and rooted in what drives you. Don’t be afraid to build your own path if one doesn’t already exist, and don’t be afraid to lead with heart. Your journey might not look like anyone else’s, and that’s the point.”
Roxy has previously been named in The Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 and was recently included in the BBC’s 100 Women list for 2024.
Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shân Wareing said: “We’re delighted that these distinguished individuals have accepted Middlesex University’s recognition of their wonderful contributions in their respective fields and communities across the creative arts, law and business, disability awareness, diversity and inclusion, patient advocacy, mental health, education, charity work and more.
“It gives me great pleasure to hear their inspiring stories, to welcome them to our Middlesex community during our graduation ceremonies, and to be able to honour and thank them for their exceptional achievements.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
