Jaime Thurston is the founder and CEO of 52 Lives, a charity that she grew from an online wanted ad into a worldwide organisation. For six years the charity has changed the lives of one person every week by sharing their stories to the online community in return for donations. 100% of donations reach the individual. Jaime is also the author of 'KINDNESS - the little thing that matters most' a book which explores how we can access and prioritise kindness based on science and personal testimonies.

 

Jaime is originally from Australia and began her career as a journalist, before moving to the UK, where she worked for a Member of the European Parliament, a wildlife charity and an organisation that supported families of prisoners.

 

Since setting up the 52 Lives Facebook page in November 2013, Jaime has received a number of accolades in recognition for her work including Clarins Most Dynamisante Woman of the Year 2016, a Points of Light Award from the UK Prime Minister and promotion from The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In 2018 she was proudly named in The Independent's Happy 50 List in 2018 which celebrates individuals who make life better for others.

 

The latest 52 Lives' innovation project aims on encouraging and rewarding children for their kindness as part of the "The School of Kindness" project which runs free workshops in schools across the UK. Jaime currently lives in Berkshire with her partner Greig, who runs the charity alongside her. They also live with their three children, Abbey, Max and Joseph.