Mary Seacole has been inducted into the Charity Hall of Fame, the first in the world for civil society, who has announced its 22 inductees for the inaugural Class of 2025 including pioneers from past and present. Other inductees include Sir Jack Petchey CBE, Octavia Hill and Kris Hallenga.
The Charity Hall of Fame launched in 2024 as the UK’s (and the world’s) first Hall of Fame dedicated to civil society. It was created to honour and celebrate individuals – past and present – whose work has transformed communities and driven positive change. Inspired by the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, each year the Charity Hall of Fame Inducts exceptional changemakers through a community-driven nominations process.
The inductees are a mixture of historic trailblazers and modern-day changemakers who have shaped communities, changed lives and transformed society through their work in philanthropy, justice and equality, social innovation and community impact. Following a hugely successful public nominations process in 2024, an independent panel of charity and community experts carefully selected the inductees from an exceptional range of nominees. The inductees are drawn from across the UK as well as those whose work has had a global impact.
The Class of 2025 was selected by an Independent Panel of charity and community people, chaired by Malcolm John, Founder of Board Racial Diversity UK. Charity Hall was founded by Jamie Ward-Smith MBE, a social founder and CEO best known for co-founding Do IT, the UK’s first digital volunteer matching service, in 2000.
Mary Seacole’s page in the Hall of Fame can be found here.
The historic pioneers being inducted in 2025 include:
- Mary Seacole, the pioneering nurse who provided critical care during the Crimean War
- Helen Brook, the trailblazing advocate for young people’s sexual health
- Olaudah Equiano, the formerly enslaved writer whose autobiography helped drive the abolitionist movement
- Josephine Butler, a fearless campaigner for women’s rights.
The modern-day changemakers being recognised include:
- Mandy Ogunmokun, founder of Treasures Foundation which helps women recovering from addiction and prison
- Dr Jessica Heron, a leader in maternal mental health and founder of the Action on Postpartum Psychosis charity
- Tyler Hatwell, founder of Traveller Pride, which supports LGBTQ+ individuals in the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities
- Chris Abbott, a human rights defender and founder of Open Briefing, which protects activists and campaigners facing threats worldwide
- Sir Jack Petchey CBE, whose foundation has invested over £180 million in youth development
- Kris Hallenga, who transformed breast cancer awareness through CoppaFeel!
- Paul Stephenson OBE, a civil rights leader whose Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 led to the UK’s first Race Relations Act
Commenting on the class of 2025, Jamie Ward-Smith MBE, Founder of Charity Hall of Fame said: “Now more than ever we need pioneers like the 22 that I’m proud the Charity Hall of Fame is honouring this year. It’s a chance to celebrate extraordinary individuals past and present whose passion, commitment, and innovative spirit transformed society. They represent the profound impact of community founders and campaigners and I really hope elevating them will inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.”
Speaking about the first inductees, Malcom John, Chair of the Induction Panel said; “Selecting the inaugural Class of 2025 was no easy task, as we had an incredible and diverse range of nominees. However, these inductees truly shine a light on what it means to create lasting change. Their impact is felt not just in the UK, but across the world, and we are proud to honour their legacy.”
The Charity Hall of Fame is a community powered initiative and nominations are now open all year round. If you know of an outstanding community changemaker – past or present – who deserves to be celebrated for their impact on society visit: www.charityhall.org
