And now they are together in MBEs – with the fairly rare distinction of both being awarded separately for their successes in completely different walks of life.
There are plenty of married couples who have been recognised for the work they have done together. Not so many for their individual feats.
But in this summer’s King’s Birthday Honours list, Jo was recognised for her services to neonatal care in Guernsey, meaning she could add the letters after her name as her husband has been able to do since 2008, when he was recognised for his services to motorsport, specifically for being a three-time World Touring Car Champion.
‘There’s not many families with a husband and wife who each have MBEs and for two separate things,’ said Mrs Priaulx, who was at Windsor Castle alongside Sir David Beckham, who was knighted on the same day. Both he and wife Victoria, now Lady Beckham, were separately honoured with their OBEs.
‘It’s weird. Our children are very proud, it’s really nice,' said Mrs Priaulx.
‘I had Andy and our two children, Daniella and Seb, with me at the Castle. They couldn’t believe it.
‘We had a picture of Andy when he received his from the Queen – and wow, we’ve changed a lot. And since hearing about the MBE, we’ve also won a Pride of Britain Award – it’s been quite hectic, really amazing. I hope it keeps the charity going for longer – and we will keep going for longer.’
PPBF was founded by Mrs Priaulx and her husband Andy, following the premature births of both their children.
The charity has been supporting families from the Channel Islands with premature babies and sick children for more than 22 years – with its upcoming birthday coinciding with World Prematurity Day on 17 November.
Its work includes purchasing equipment for the local neonatal unit and putting together baby boxes full of premature baby items for those in need. It also offers emergency assistance and compassionate housing located a stone’s throw from Southampton Hospital.
Mrs Priaulx officially received her MBE from King Charles, appropriately during World Prematurity Month.
‘It’s been a very exciting week,’ she said.
‘The King was so lovely, couldn’t believe we had him for it, we thought it might be Princess Anne or William. So it was a good surprise.
‘He spoke to me about the work we do and held my hands and said “you’re a very clever girl thinking of that idea, and that’s why you’re here today”.
‘It was a pleasure to be there, it still doesn’t feel real.
‘The charity is what I’ve been doing for 22 years now. It’s my purpose in life and you really don’t do it for any recognition or awards, but it’s nice to be acknowledged and I feel very grateful.’
The PPBF has supported over 1,300 Guernsey families.
Mrs Priaulx won the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award for the ITV Channel region, after the charity raised around £35,000 at its sixth annual ‘Blingo’ event.
A spokesperson for PPBF said the team was all ‘absolutely thrilled’ to see Mrs Priaulx recognised.
‘I want to thank everybody for all the kind messages I’ve received,’ she said.
‘It’s been quite overwhelming.
‘The girls in the office haven’t seen me yet, so I’m looking forward to another celebration with them – any chance for a glass of champagne. But for now, I’m straight back to work – I never stop.’
On 17 November, PPBF is encouraging islanders to celebrate its birthday by dressing in purple to raise awareness.
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