University of Glasgow tribute as she receives end-of-life care

Janey Godley has been made an honorary doctor by the University of Glasgow.

The Glasgwegian comedian was given a scroll confirming the honour at the hospice where she is receiving palliative end-of-life care.

Her daughter, fellow comic Ashley Storrie, posted an image of her with her certificate on social media.

She wrote: ‘Thank you @uofglasgow for bestowing upon my mum the honorary degree of doctor of the University of Glasgow. This has brought her so much joy in the final beats of her life. Janey is so honoured, and I am so immensely proud of her. I am always proud of her. Thank you for all your kindness and support to our family in this very difficult time.’

The university added: ‘It is an honour to bestow an honorary doctorate on the incredible Dr Godley.  We send all our love and support to Janey and her family.’

Thank you @UofGlasgow for bestowing upon my mum the honorary degree of doctor of the University of Glasgow. This has brought her so much joy in the final beats of her life. Janey is so honoured, and I am so immensely proud of her. Congratulations Doctor Godley.

Ashley Storrie pic.twitter.com/3hrg80tp3M

— Janey Godley (@JaneyGodley) October 31, 2024

Godley, 63, entered palliative care at the end of September this year after exhausting all treatment for the cancer she had been living with since 2021.

A former pub landlady in the East End of Glasgow, she started her stand-up career in 1994, drawing on her difficult family background. Her parents were alcoholics, and she and her sister were sexually abused by their maternal uncle. 

In 1982, when Godley was 21, her mother drowned in the River Clyde, with the comedian believing she was murdered by her violent boyfriend, although he was never charged.

She wrote about that background in her 2005 memoir Handstands In The Dark, while another autobiography released earlier this year – Janey: The Woman That Won't Shut Up – covered her more recent life and cancer diagnosis.

•  Comedian and Two Doors Down star Elaine C Smith is set to be presented with the Freedom of Glasgow as part of the city’s 850th birthday celebrations. She said: 'I cannot tell you how thrilled and truly moved I am.  I have been fortunate to have been put forward for a few honours in my life, but none would fill my heart or mean more, than being awarded the Freedom of this city – my home and the place I love.'

Published: 31 Oct 2024