We are delighted to announce that our Founder Lesley Schatzberger has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 for Services to Children with Life-Limiting Illnesses and Communication Difficulties.

Lesley shared:  “To say that I was surprised to be awarded this honour is an understatement, and I am truly grateful and humbled by it. Life can throw its curveballs at you, but I feel so fortunate in being able to turn a personal tragedy into something positive. I see the award as recognition of the work of Jessie’s Fund, which has transformed, and continues to transform, the lives of so many children through music. This would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the Jessie’s Fund team and board, nor without the generous backing of thousands of supporters. There’s much more to be done, and we pledge to be tireless in helping children who face immense challenges in life to communicate through music.”

Over the last 30 years, Lesley’s drive to give children a voice through music has been unwavering. Since 1995, she has helped establish 44 music therapy posts in children’s hospices and supported all the children’s hospices with training and instruments. She grew the work of the charity to include music therapy on children’s hospital wards and in the community, alongside developing a successful programme of creative music residencies in specialist school settings. She has also contributed to several publications in the field of music therapy in children’s palliative care.

Nancy Maguire, Chair of Trustees, said “All of us at Jessie’s Fund think that Lesley could not be more deserving of this honour. Her dedication to improving the lives of so many profoundly disabled children through music is truly awe inspiring.”

We are tremendously proud that Lesley’s 30 years of passion and commitment to transforming the lives of children with complex needs through music has been recognised with this honour.