Our Group CEO Cheryl Ward collects her CBE from The Princess Royal

Our Group CEO, Cheryl Ward, received her Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) at a Windsor Castle investiture on Wednesday 22 July 2025.   

Cheryl was recognised in the Kings New Year’s Honours for her services to Social Care, supporting families raising disabled children for over 17 years and for setting up a social enterprise to support other organisations providing grants and services to their beneficiaries. She said:  

I was deeply honoured to meet The Princess Royal and be among so many others being recognised for their important services and achievements. To represent Family Fund at Windsor Castle is a privilege and a memory I will treasure forever. I had a touching conversation with the Princess about our charity’s history, work and importance. I accept this recognition on behalf of everyone at Family Fund, whose tireless efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of families facing the most challenging circumstances.

Cheryl joined Family Fund in 2008 and has expanded the charity’s reach, growth and impact. Under her leadership, Family Fund has grown to become the UK’s largest grant-making charity, providing essential financial support, information and services to families on low incomes caring for disabled or seriously ill children and young people. 

This distinguished honour celebrates Cheryl’s charity work and dedication to improving the lives of families raising disabled or seriously ill children, and supporting other organisations serve their beneficiaries through Family Fund’s trading subsidiary Family Fund Business Services.

 Roy O’Shaughnessy, Chair of Family Fund’s Board of Trustees, said: 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Family Fund team, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cheryl on this well-deserved honour. Cheryl’s passion and unwavering commitment have driven Family Fund’s growth, allowing us to reach more families in need. Her recognition reflects the profound impact Family Fund has on easing the hardship faced by tens of thousands of families raising disabled or seriously ill children each year.”