The leader of Gloucestershire charity the Hollie Gazzard Trust says he is 'truly humbled and honoured' to receive an OBE this January 2025, for his tireless efforts to raise awareness and tackle violence against women and girls in the UK.
Nick Gazzard, who founded the trust following the tragic loss of his daughter Hollie in 2014, is named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in The King's New Year Honours List 2025, recognising the impactful progress made by the charity over the last decade in addressing domestic abuse and stalking, on a national scale.
Nick's personal journey is described as one of 'resilience and determination', channelling his grief at the loss of Hollie, who was murdered by her abusive ex-partner while she was at work in Gloucester, into a mission to drive positive change.
Under his leadership, the Hollie Gazzard Trust has grown into a nationally recognised organisation, becoming 'a beacon of hope and support' for individuals affected by violence against women and girls, through the provision of educational workshops, community outreach programmes and more, including the groundbreaking HollieGuard personal safety app.
Nick said: 'Receiving an OBE is an incredible privilege and an honour. I’m truly humbled to have received this news, but it is a recognition I share with everyone who has supported the Hollie Gazzard Trust over the last decade.
'From staff, trustees, volunteers and sponsors, through to supporters and donors. My heartfelt ‘thank you’.
'Of course, the driving force is Hollie. I need to say a special thank you to her. We didn’t want her to be another statistic; and our aim was to use her story to help others avoid what she went through.
'I’m sure she’s looking down on us with that huge smile —
and proud about what is being achieved in her name. This award highlights the
importance of continuing our efforts and inspires me to keep driving for change.'
