He has been inducted into the Charity Hall of Fame, which launched on March 31 and aims to celebrate social pioneers and leading philanthropists.
Sir Jack, who was born in Plaistow in 1925, was recognised for his exceptional work in championing and providing opportunities for more than 1.3 million young people across London and Essex.
After leaving school at 13 without qualifications, Sir Jack began working for a local greengrocer and later volunteered for service during the Second World War in 1943.
After being told he was “not management material,” Sir Jack used his £60 life savings to start his own business.
He eventually set up the Jack Petchey Foundation to inspire and motivate young people and to celebrate their achievements.
Since 1999, the foundation has invested more than £180 million in young people and youth organisations across London and Essex.
In 2004, Sir Jack was awarded an OBE for services to young people and was further honoured with a CBE in 2011.
Gemma Juma, chief executive officer of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “Sir Jack believed that society benefitted when young people felt valued and were given opportunities to realise their potential.
“Even before the Jack Petchey Foundation was officially formed in 1999, Sir Jack had been giving donations to charities and organising events to celebrate the achievements of young people in the East End of London for many years.”
Sir Jack died in June 2024 at the age of 98.
However, his legacy continues through the foundation, which recently unveiled its 2025 impact report, revealing that it had directly benefited 172,822 young people in the last academic year through its grants and programmes.
The class of 2025 was selected by an independent panel of charity and community leaders, chaired by Malcolm John, the founder of Board Racial Diversity UK.
More information can be found at the Charity Hall of Fame and the Jack Petchey Foundation websites.
