‘Human on Wheels’ Tina Evans receives Honorary Fellowship from Aberystwyth University

Tina Evans is described as a ‘Human on Wheels’ and for good reason. Tina’s story is extraordinary. She has made a remarkable contribution to the University and Welsh life.

Tina Evans is a blogger, motovational speaker and TV presenter. She was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition at 16, Tina Evans ignored the doctors’ negative description of what the future had in store for a Friedreich’s Ataxia patient, and chose to live every day as it comes.

She graduated in Theatre, Film and Television Studies from Aberystwyth University, and has been involved with S4C programmes Bwrdd i Dri, Taith Mawr y Dyn Bach and Dathlu. She was part of the BBC Wales presenting team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and is reporting on para-triathlons this summer.

Ever positive and always looking for new adventures, Tina Evans challenges barriers and finds solutions to make sure she and others have access to doing the things they love in life. Her motivational talks inspire others of all ages to grab life with both hands.

Tina Evans was presented as Honorary Fellow by Professor Anwen Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University, on Tuesday 18 July 2023.

Addressing the audience at the ceremony Professor Anwen Jones (r) said that she had met Tina (l) for the first time as a Welsh language undergraduate studying in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth.

Professor Jones said: “She was full of life and the broad smile that she always has characterised her then too. She was a conscientious, hardworking student and was full of energy and verve. The fact that I was totally unaware that Tina had any physical challenges until her third year speaks volumes about her attitude to life and to herself.

“Tina challenges barriers and finds solutions to make sure she and others have access to doing the things they love in life.

“Tina has engaged in all sorts of physical challenges such as coasteering and is currently training for a SuperHero three triathlon. Her explanation for all her exploits and her incredible bravery is simply, ‘Well it’s in me. Anything that is possible for me, I’ll give it a go’.

“After graduating with BA honours in Theatre Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University in 2006, Tina started her career at BBC Wales. She worked as a researcher for the Education Department and then Radio Cymru.

“Four years later, Tina moved on to Disability Wales, where her skills in media came of great use as the digital communications and inclusion officer.

“Tina is no stranger to the S4C screen, having been involved with programmes like Bwrdd i dri, Taith Mawr y dyn Bach and Dathlu.

“In 2022, she was invited to be part of BBC Wales presenting team at the Commonwealth Games. For two weeks, Tina worked from Birmingham and the velodrome in London as a reporter.

“Today, she has a monthly columnist slot on Prynhawn Da, as well as reporting on para triathlons this summer.

“At 37, her aim is to inspire others, of all ages, to grab life with both hands – she has inspired us all here at Aberystwyth. We are privileged to have met her and to have learnt alongside her.

“Chancellor, it is my absolute pleasure to present Tina Evans to you as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.”

Speaking after the event Tina said “I am really proud to be here just to be acknowledged for what I have done. Aberystwyth has given me a lot. I am glad that my career started here.”

The 2023 Honorary Fellows are (in order of presentation):

Helen Prosser, Director of Teaching and Learning at the National Centre for Learning Welsh
Tina Evans, ‘Human on Wheels’ inspirational blogger and motivational speaker, and television presenter
Ben Thompson, Short Film Programmer at Tribeca Festival in New York
Ann Griffith, Leader of Wales and the World at the 2022 National Eisteddfod
Professor Dato’ Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Professor of Law at MARA Technological University in Malaysia
Kate O’Sullivan, veterinary surgeon for Mill Referrals, Director of Ystwyth Vets and British Small Animal Veterinary Association volunteer
Phil Thomas, veterinary surgeon, Director of Ystwyth Vets and Director of Iechyd Da
Ian Gwyn Hughes, Head of Public Relations at the Football Association of Wales and former BBC Wales football correspondent.