Ulster University has recognised two outstanding leaders in care and compassion, awarding Honorary Doctorates at its Belfast ceremonies to Dr Chantal Fowler‑Lockey BEM and Heather Monteverde MBE.
Dr Chantal Fowler Lockey has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of the University (DUniv) in recognition of her significant contribution to supporting those experiencing infant loss.
Founder and Director of the Foundation for Infant Loss Training, she is internationally recognised as a leading voice in bereavement education, working to improve how professionals respond to families experiencing infant loss. Over the past 17 years, her work has trained more than 80,000 professionals globally, including healthcare practitioners, the Metropolitan Police and the Ministry of Defence.
Her mission is deeply personal. Following the death of her firstborn daughter in 2004, she experienced a lack of structured professional support, which led her to establish the Foundation in 2007 to ensure that no family feels alone or unsupported during bereavement.
Her work now spans complex and often under‑recognised areas, including “invisible loss”, culturally sensitive bereavement care and support for vulnerable groups, alongside pioneering initiatives such as specialist training for pregnancy following loss.
Dr Chantal Fowler‑Lockey BEM said:
“This recognition from Ulster University reflects the importance of ensuring that every family experiencing loss is met with understanding, compassion and informed support. My work has always been about sharing knowledge and lived experience to help professionals respond with empathy and confidence, and to ensure no one feels alone in their grief.”
Her contribution extends into media, policy and workplace practice, including advising major broadcasters and supporting organisations in developing compassionate policies. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2025 for services to bereavement care and reducing infant mortality.
Also at its Belfast graduation ceremonies today, Ulster University has conferred an Honorary Doctor of the University (DUniv) on Heather Monteverde MBE, recognising her transformative impact on nursing and cancer services across Northern Ireland.
One of the region’s most influential nursing leaders, Heather became Northern Ireland’s first Cancer Nurse Specialist in 1986 and has played a central role in shaping modern cancer care through her commitment to person‑centred practice.
Her leadership with Macmillan Cancer Support enabled major service developments across all Health and Social Care Trusts, including specialist facilities at Antrim Area Hospital, the Ulster Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry~Londonderry, significantly strengthening access to care across the Northern Ireland.
A defining achievement of her career was securing a multi‑million pound investment in Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists, resulting in more than 60 new posts and lasting improvements in frontline care for patients.
Speaking following the ceremony, Heather Monteverde MBE said:
“It is a great honour to receive this recognition from Ulster University. Throughout my career, I have been committed to ensuring that people affected by cancer receive not only the best possible clinical care, but also the compassion, dignity and support they deserve. I am proud to have worked alongside so many dedicated colleagues to improve services for patients and families across Northern Ireland.”
Her career has spanned clinical, educational and leadership roles across the public, private and voluntary sectors, helping to shape how cancer care is designed and delivered. She was awarded an MBE for services to cancer patients and is recognised as one of the most influential nurses in NHS history.
Through these honours, Ulster University recognises two individuals whose work has profoundly improved care, compassion and support for individuals and families across Northern Ireland and beyond.
More than 5,000 students will graduate from Ulster University this summer, with ten days of celebrations taking place at ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine & Derry~Londonderry.
