Tessy Ojo’s social media bio is heavy-duty – “CEO of royal charity The Diana Award, Anti-bullying pro, Civil Society Leader, Social Change Advocate, Philanthropist, Wife & Mother and Brand Ambassador.” It’s exhausting just reading the list, let alone fulfilling her superwoman role every day.
Her incredible efforts are why she’s such a worthy recipient of her new CBE, having been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this month. The award recognised her work heading up the charity in the late Diana, Princess of Wales’ name, which offers mentoring and support for young people and anti-bullying schemes. One person who was quick to applaud her was the Duke of Cambridge, who sent Tessy a personal letter of congratulations, having previously thanked her for continuing his mother’s legacy.
Although she’ll be the one accepting the accolade in person from a senior royal (yet to be announced), she says it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her husband Stephen, 51. He encouraged her to quit her well-paid corporate job 20 years ago to pursue charitable endeavours. At the time, the couple had two young children, Keren and Jonathan, now 22 and 20 respectively, and Stephen’s support meant that Tessy, 49, could be both mother and CEO.
Here, after inviting OK! into her beautiful home in Kent, she chats about her journey so far and why the award is bittersweet…
Congratulations! How are you feeling?
I’m on cloud nine. I feel like I should justify it and be doing more to earn this, but everybody’s telling me, “This is a reward for what you’ve already done!” I’ve known since May, but only told my husband, children and one of my brothers, Ambrose.
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2020-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
