9th March 2026
Joe Williamson Named Most Influential Charity CEO – Midlands 2026 by CEO Monthly
We are incredibly proud to announce that our CEO, Joe Williamson, has been named Most Influential Charity CEO – Midlands 2026 by CEO Monthly, a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership and outstanding impact within the charitable sector.
The award presentation was made especially poignant as it was presented by Laura Gap, one of our remarkable wish children. Laura’s wish was not only the very first wish Joe granted, but also the charity’s first Disney wish in several years, a milestone moment that reignited a sense of magic and possibility across the organisation.
Today, Laura continues her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her resilience, positivity and determination are the very heart of our mission. Standing alongside her as she presented this award was a powerful reminder that the true impact of leadership is measured in moments of hope, strength and joy, shared with families facing unimaginable challenges.
Joe has often reflected on the deep sense of responsibility he feels in leading the charity, a responsibility shaped by the extraordinary legacy he inherited from our founder, Barbara White. Barbara established the organisation with a simple but powerful belief: that every child living with serious illness deserves hope, happiness and something extraordinary to look forward to. Her compassion and determination laid the foundation for thousands of magical wishes, and her spirit continues to guide our work every day.
In accepting the award, Joe was quick to recognise that the honour belongs to far more than one individual. He paid tribute to the dedication of the team, the generosity of supporters, and most importantly, the children and families who continually inspire us. Their courage in the face of adversity fuels our commitment to deliver deeply personal, meaningful wishes that create lasting memories.
Under Joe’s leadership, the charity has strengthened partnerships, expanded its reach across the Midlands and renewed its focus on ensuring that every wish is not only magical, but transformative. Yet at its heart, the mission remains unchanged, to bring light into dark moments and to remind families that they are not alone.
This award is a celebration of leadership, legacy and above all, the extraordinary strength of the children we serve. From Barbara’s founding vision to Laura’s unforgettable first wish and her ongoing bravery, our story continues to be written by the stars, and by the remarkable families who inspire us every single day.
