The Jack Petchey Foundation is delighted to learn that Ron Mills, who helped Sir Jack Petchey CBE establish the charity in 1999 and has remained a key member of the team ever since, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours list 2026. He has been recognised for his services to Young People in London and Essex.

Prior to the Foundation being formed, Ron worked with Sir Jack in the businesses for 35 years. Since 1999, Ron has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the charity, where he has helped shape our grant programmes that have directly benefitted over 1.3 million young people across London and Essex.

Speaking about the news, Matt Rantell, the Chair of Trustees and Sir Jack’s grandson, said: “When my grandfather set about establishing the charity, bringing Ron on board was an obvious choice. His business acumen helped get the Foundation up and running, but it was his dedication to helping young people, his kind heart, and his generous nature that made him such an important part of the Jack Petchey Foundation family. We are so proud that he is being recognised for his years of outstanding work.”

Ron continues to influence the lives of thousands of young people every year in his role as Trustee at the Foundation where he oversees a number of our key programmes. We are very proud that he continues to be a representative of Sir Jack’s legacy and is being recognised for it. Ron epitomises Sir Jack’s motto of “If you think you can, you can!”

From all at the Jack Petchey Foundation, well done, Ron.

You can see the full New Year Honour list here.

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