Rays of Sunshine Co-Founder Stephen Allan honoured with OBE in King’s 2025 New Years Honours List

Rays of Sunshine Co-Founder and Chairman of Trustees, Stephen Allan, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s 2025 New Years Honours List.

Stephen Allan, Abbie wish child and Hayley Allan

Stephen received his OBE in recognition of both his exceptional contribution to the Media Industry and his services to Charity helping Young People. In his role as Co-Founder and Chairman of Trustees at Rays of Sunshine, Allan has played a crucial role in granting over 9,000 magical wishes for seriously and terminally ill children, often using his personal relationships within the vast network he has built, from 40+ years in the media industry, to make them happen.

Since its inception in 2003, the charity has brightened the lives of seriously ill children across the UK, granting magical wishes, providing ongoing support in hospitals and hosting special events within the community, impacting the lives of over 80,000 children and their families.

In his professional career, Allan is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of media agencies. Starting his career at 18 as a trainee at The Media Business, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Managing Director and oversaw its merger with MediaCom. Under his leadership as Global CEO and Chairman of MediaCom, it became one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2022, Stephen joined digital-native agency, Brainlabs as Executive Chairman.

Stephen Allan says “I’m honoured and humbled to have been awarded an OBE, but I genuinely wouldn’t have achieved this award without the support, hard work and dedication of every person I’ve worked with in both my professional and charitable work life. Although it’s my name on the award, it’s a tribute to my fellow Trustees and Founders of Rays of Sunshine and all the many incredible colleagues who have been with me on my work journey in the media industry.”

Cecilia Adamou, now 25, had her wish to meet actor, singer and X Factor Winner Joe McElderry granted in 2011. Cecilia met Joe while in hospital waiting for a heart transplant. She would also later be diagnosed with cancer. After learning that she wished to one day have a career in the media, Stephan Allan professionally mentored Cecilia as a young adult and she now works as a reporter for the Mirror. 

She said: “I am delighted that Stephen Allan is getting this award he so deserves. I first met him as a young teenager, when I was struggling with my confidence after my heart transplant and battling cancer and had my wish granted. He took the time to listen to me and speak about my hopes and dreams for the future acting as a mentor.

“He has given me guidance, taken time out of his busy schedule to help and most importantly, he’s believed in me – unwaveringly. He helped me to regain my confidence after years of illness and countless times, has always been there when I have needed advice or some words of encouragement.” 

Jane Sharpe, Trustee and Vice Chair of Rays of Sunshine, said: “Because of Stephen’s vision, passion and dedication, seriously and terminally ill children across the UK have had so many magical wishes. 

“This honour reflects the thousands of wishes and lives he’s helped transform over the 21 years. On behalf of all the families we support, we want to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Stephen.” 

For further information about this story, contact Jack Wilson, Senior Communications Manager at Rays of Sunshine, on 07458 308113 or email jack@raysofsunshine.org.uk