‘Sorely missed’ Eastbourne man will have posthumous university graduation ceremony

An Eastbourne man who died suddenly will have a graduation ceremony and be awarded his degree posthumously, with honours.

Henry Chapman, well-known for holding the popular Winter Wonderland event in town each year, died on January 4 this year, age 33, before he could officially complete his course.

Despite this, his university is awarding him his degree in BA (Hons) Community and Social Care Policy at a special ceremony next Thursday (July 18).

Henry’s sister Louise Chapman said, “We as a family are going up on his behalf to proudly accept his diploma. The university have been very supportive and held a celebration of life for my brother in February.

She said, “He was full of life and always willing to help people. He did a lot of work for LGBT. He is sadly missed everyday and as a family we are all struggling with the loss of a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

“He was the life of any party and would always make people laugh. He is an inspiration even now. We will never forget the things his done and will always be loved.”