Former Comic Relief CEO and Sports Relief creator awarded honorary doctorate by BCU

Cahill spent more than 26 years working for Comic Relief and served as its chief executive officer for almost 19 years before stepping down in 2016. 

He was also the creator of Sport Relief in 2002 and was awarded the CBE in 2007 for services to charity. 

Sir Lenny Henry, Chancellor of BCU and co-founder of Comic Relief, said: “Kevin and I have been colleagues since he became CEO of Comic Relief. 

“He was the driving force behind Sport Relief, too, and took both entities from start-ups to charities with global status, raising hundreds of millions of pounds for good causes in the process. 

“We share a vision of a better world and Kevin has taken massive steps during his career to achieve this. He thoroughly deserves this award. I’m proud to welcome him into our university community.” 

In a speech to BCU graduates, Cahill said it was an “absolute privilege and joy to work for such a great charity” as Comic Relief. 

He added: “I believe passionately that working for an organisation with a strong value system and sense of social purpose is a wonderful thing to do. 

“You all now at a beginning, not at an end, and will do a wide range of different things to reflect your talents and interests. I would just encourage you all to make a difference in your own way and, importantly, to enjoy what you do. 

“Don’t settle for a job that doesn’t inspire you. Your own lived experience is something no-one can take away from you and it is your one truth." 

Cahill joined Comic Relief as Director of Education and Information in 1991, later becoming Director of Communications and then Deputy Director (Creative). 

In July 1997, he was appointed CEO, playing a key role in the Make Poverty History and Live 8 campaigns. He is now Comic Relief’s joint Honorary Life President.