We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Ellis to lead Jessie’s Fund, taking over from founding director Lesley Schatzberger. Rebecca, a music graduate, comes to Jessie’s Fund from a role as assistant headteacher and special educational needs and disabilities coordinator in a Leeds primary school. She is also a trustee for a charity supporting young adults with learning disabilities.

Rebecca has seen first-hand the impact of music for communication and connection for children with additional needs and their families. She says ‘I am honoured to have the chance to work at Jessie’s Fund and to be able to combine my passion for improving quality of life for children with life limiting illness and/or additional needs with my love of music. I can’t wait to get started in the role, with support from Lesley and the team.’

We could not have known, when we first bought some musical instruments for the children’s hospice in which 9 year old Jessica had recently spent her last days, that Jessie’s Fund would grow to the established charity it is today, having helped thousands of children through the expressive power of music.

Lesley says ‘The ripples Jessie made all those years ago continue to make themselves gently felt. Ahead is a big change for Jessie’s Fund, and I’m confident that the charity will go forward in very safe hands. I look forward to witnessing new developments as the year progresses, and to enjoying a different kind of involvement as founder rather than director.’

Steven Burkeman, Chair of Trustees, commented ‘This is a special moment in the history of Jessie’s Fund. Lesley Schatzberger has built the charity from nothing to where it is today, helping countless children through the power of music, and gathering us many friends and supporters in the process.

‘While we are so sad to lose Lesley as the director of the charity, we are delighted that we have found Rebecca Ellis to become our new Executive Director. Rebecca has all the right qualifications and experience to take Jessie’s Fund on to the next stage, but even more important, she is passionate about music and about the children and families with whom we work. The Board is hugely excited about the future of Jessie’s Fund under her leadership.’