Anna Kennedy OBE is an educational entrepreneur and founder of the Anna Kennedy Online charity that raises awareness for autism.
Location: Uxbridge, London
Anna is the mother of two boys who are both affected by autism. In 1999, having been turned away by no fewer than 26 special needs schools when searching for appropriate educational facilities for their sons, Anna set up Hillingdon Manor School – the largest school in Europe for children and young people with autism and supports over 50,000 parents of children with autism through her website. Anna also has set up a school in Bromley for children with ASD.
Since then she was bestowed Tesco Mum of the Year and has been recognised an International Humanitarian Award by IARA (International Achievement Recognition Awards). In 2018 Anna was nominated through Amnesty International as a woman making an extraordinary difference and has won fresh recognition for her pioneering support for children with Autism and was also featured on Amnesty’s Suffragette Spirit Map of Britain of woman who have gone above and beyond.
Anna was awarded an OBE (Royal Reward for Inspirational Mother) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for her services and campaigning work for autistic children.
In 2013 Anna received an Honorary Doctor in Professional Achievement from Teesside University. Anna is Ambassador to Options Autism, and patron to DaisyChain, ADHD Club, Autism Support Crawley, Kilmarnock Horse Rescue, Week on the Street, Cheshire Autism Practical Support, Square Peg Foundation, Ambassador for Puzzle Centre and committee member of LOANI, Ladies Of All Nations International Group.
Anna said:
Thank you – I am overwhelmed and honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. My charity volunteers and I are all very passionate about raising autism awareness and acceptance and look for opportunities wherever we can so that our children with autism and adults can make their mark in this world just like everyone else.
