The Closet Files
MilliOnAir | Discover
This month we talk to Anna Kennedy OBE,
director of the UK-based Autism charity, Anna Kennedy Online www.annakennedyonline.com Anna is a busy mum of two boys, Angelo and Patrick, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. She started the charity after finding insufficient facilities available for those living with Autism. Anna now runs two schools and a college that cater for the needs of those with autism.
Anna leads a very active life, often surviving on four hours of sleep. She participated in The People’s Strictly in 2015 and was the partner of dancing royalty, Robin Windsor. She was awarded second place and has established a host of celebrity fans including Lizzie Cundy, Caprice and Dr Pam Spurr. Among the diverse work that her charity does each year, she hosts the highly successful “Autism’s Got Talent” on an annual basis, as well as "The Autism Hero awards."
The outfit that I wore to collect my OBE in 2012.
Though you would think that Northern born Anna Kennedy had spent a fortune on her clothing (as she looks fit to visit the queen), nothing could be further from the truth. Being a shrewd business woman and charity director, she has an eye for composing an outfit that not only turns heads but also won’t break the bank.
"I am sure many spent fortunes on theirs" she laughs.
“The top was from H&M and cost £25.00.
My skirt was from eBay and cost £10.00.
The shoes were from New Look and cost £25.00.
The hat was from Debenhams and cost £15.00.
My OBE – priceless!”
“The day I received my OBE was incredible. I was only allowed two guests, so my mother, Maria, and my mother-in-law, Coral, accompanied me. It was amazing driving into Buckingham palace. The Queen was a delight and surprisingly chatted with me for ages. She was very knowledgeable about my work and she asked how my boys were getting on. The big bonus was meeting Kate Winslet, who was just lovely. She came up to me and said she had been looking for me. She has set up the Golden Hat foundation www.goldenhatfoundation.org to raise awareness of autism in the US community. I also had a cheeky chat with Gary Barlow! Then we all went home and had a cuppa. It was amazing day though.”
The outfit that I wore to collect my OBE in 2012.