Jo Priaulx was beaming from ear to ear when she shared how pleased – and surprised – she was to be awarded the MBE for her service to neonatal care in Guernsey.
Known for her work with her own charity – the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation – Mrs Priaulx has developed close relationships with neonatal staff in Guernsey and Southampton, and has supported countless families who have experienced premature births and neonatal illness.
She was still taken by complete surprise when she recently received a call telling her that she was being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the Order of the British Empire – and said she has no idea who nominated her.
“I’m honestly shocked and still a bit speechless to be given this award — keeping it a secret has been one of the hardest things!” she said.
“But really, this is about all the amazing people who have been part of the journey. From my family — Andy, whose racing career helped get the charity off the ground in the early days, to our kids, Sebastian and Danniella, who arrived early and turned our world upside down in the best way.”
It was after Danniella’s premature birth in 2003 that Jo, and her husband Andy, were compelled to launch a charity to help other families like theirs.
Seb had already been born early when the family were living in England. By the time Danniella also arrived early the family were living back in Guernsey.
Andy wanted to use his profile in motorsport to fundraise for a new incubator for the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Having easily achieved that goal, Jo threw herself into launching the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation while raising her children and supporting her husband’s career.
The charity marked its 21st anniversary last year, alongside a host of achievements recorded over the past two decades.
With Danniella and the charity both turning 22 this year, Jo said it has been a whirlwind, but she’s had a lot of support in her work.
“My parents have supported me from day one, and I’m so grateful. To my brilliant colleagues, the families we’ve met, the healthcare teams, and the incredible community we’ve worked with for the last 21 years — this is for you too,” she said.
“This is also for Graham Priaulx, my late father-in-law, who played a key role in naming the PPBF.”
The family run charity has been supported by other relatives and friends, businesses, individuals, and anonymous strangers since it was launched.
The success of the PPBF has led to the charity buying flats in Southampton so parents with poorly babies and young children can stay very near by.
The PPBF has also appointed ambassadors to share its messages far and wide, but it is Jo who is credited with the bulk of the charity’s success.
Mrs Priaulx’s MBE is for her services to neonatal care in Guernsey – and she insists it is a shared honour with everyone that supports her own work through the PPBF and directly with families when they need it.
“From the boardroom to the neonatal unit, I’m surrounded by people who do incredible things every day,” she said.
“I’ll continue doing everything I can to carry all this forward for many more years to come. What an honour,” she added.
Being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the Order of the British Empire alongside her husband Andy Priaulx – who received his MBE in 2008 for services to motorsport – means Mr and Mrs Priaulx are believed to be the only married couple in Guernsey, possibly the Channel Islands, to have been honoured in this way for separate achievements in the community.
The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation itself has also been honoured by the Monarch.
In 2015, the charity received Royal recognition through the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to any voluntary group.