Barbara White OBE Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree of Public Administration

Barbara White OBE, our inspirational founder of When You Wish Upon a Star, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Public Administration by Nottingham Trent University in recognition of her exceptional contributions to charity over the past three and a half decades.

The award, conferred during the charity’s milestone 35th anniversary year, honours Barbara’s incredible dedication to bringing joy to children with life-threatening illnesses. Since founding the charity in 1990, Barbara and her team have granted over 19,000 wishes, creating magical and lasting memories for families during unimaginably difficult times.

Barbara’s journey began with a simple but profound idea: to give seriously ill children a chance to experience happiness, wonder, and hope through once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From meeting celebrities to visiting Disneyland, the charity’s work has had a life-changing impact on thousands of families across the UK.

Receiving the honorary degree is a powerful testament to Barbara’s tireless work, leadership, and vision in public service. It not only celebrates her achievements but also shines a light on the remarkable legacy When You Wish Upon a Star continues to build.

“This award isn’t just for me,” Barbara said. “It’s for every child we’ve supported, every family we’ve stood beside, and every supporter who has believed in the power of a wish. To receive this honour in the charity’s 35th year is incredibly special.”

With over 19,000 wishes granted and countless lives touched, Barbara White’s honorary degree is a richly deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated to compassion, community, and hope. 

Her story continues to inspire and remind us all of the extraordinary things that can happen when one person dares to dream big, for others.