Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture 2016

This year’s Baggs Memorial lecture on the theme of Happiness will be delivered by one of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE.

Tanni Grey-Thompson amassed a remarkable medal haul over a 16-year career, spanning five Paralympic games, of 11 gold, four silver and one bronze. She was named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 1992, and the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year in 1992, 2000 and 2005.

During her competitive career Tanni sat on the board of the National Disability Council, The Sports Council for Wales, the English Lottery Awards Panel and UK Sport. She is patron of numerous charities including Sportsleaders UK, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, Sportsaid Foundation and the Wembley Stadium Legacy Trust.

In 2010 Tanni became an Independent Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, taking the title Baroness Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe in the County of Durham. As a working peer Tanni uses her experience and knowledge during debates in the House and she has spoken on a range of issues including disability rights, welfare reform, and of course, sport.

Born in Birmingham in 1889, Thomas Baggs was an alumnus of the University of Birmingham who bequeathed a substantial sum to the University to provide an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness – what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations.’ The Baggs Memorial Lectures began in 1976.