Gary Rutherford
Northern Ireland Regional Winner of the Daily Mirror UTV Pride of Britain Awards
BSc Hons Nursing (Mental Health)
Congratulations to our graduate Gary Rutherford who was recently selected as Northern Ireland Regional Winner of the Daily Mirror UTV Pride of Britain Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to addiction recovery, community wellbeing and public health across the North West.
Gary is a registered Mental Health Nurse professional and addiction therapist. In 2019 he launched ARC Fitness, a Derry~Londonderry based non-profit supporting individuals impacted by addiction and substance use through physical activity, professional support and community.
Gary is also in long term recovery from substance abuse, which drives him to advocate and provide hope for others. His work was recognised by the Royal College of Nursing when he was awarded the RCN Nurse of the Year 2022.
As well as being a graduate of Nursing (Mental Health) in 2015 from Ulster University, Gary was also selected as one of the 25 exceptional leaders from diverse sectors who took part in the prestigious 25@25 leadership programme in 2023-2024 to commemorate the Belfast Good Friday Agreement.
All of us at Ulster University are immensely proud of all Gary has achieved through his unrelenting dedication to helping others and wish him every success at the National Pride of Britain Awards in London later this year.
