2026 Finalist – Jacqueline Cannon

  

Most people think of their fifties as a time to slow down. Jacqui Cannon saw it as the moment to start again.

At 53, whilst caring for her father who was living with Lewy body dementia, Jacqui made a courageous decision that would redefine the next chapter of her life. She stepped away from a successful corporate career at United Utilities and into an entirely new role – becoming Chief Executive of the Lewy Body Society, the UK’s only charity dedicated exclusively to Lewy body dementia. It was a bold move in what many call the “third quarter” of life, but for Jacqui it was driven by a simple and powerful motivation: to ensure families like hers would no longer face this devastating disease alone.

Based in Wigan, the Lewy Body Society is the first charity in Europe dedicated solely to Lewy body dementia, often described as “the most common dementia you’ve never heard of.”

Under Jacqui’s leadership, the organisation has grown into a vital force for research, awareness and support for families affected by this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Drawing on her commercial expertise and strategic thinking, Jacqui has transformed the charity’s reach and impact. Over the past decade she has helped raise £3.4 million to fund 27 research projects, with more than 8,000 participants taking part. These studies are helping to improve understanding of Lewy body dementia, advance diagnosis and ultimately shape the future of care for patients and their families.

Jacqui has also worked tirelessly to bring the condition out of the shadows. She has led national and global awareness initiatives, including a collaboration with international Lewy body dementia charities and the ITN “Living With Lewy” podcast, helping share the experiences of people living with the disease.

One of the charity’s most striking awareness campaigns is “A Scarf for Lewy.” In 2021, supporters from across the world sent knitted scarves that were wrapped around the Royal Albert Hall six times, creating a powerful visual symbol of solidarity and raising awareness on an international stage.

Jacqui’s leadership has also delivered practical innovations in care. She secured a groundbreaking partnership with Dementia UK to fund the country’s first Lewy body dementia Admiral Nurse, providing specialist advice and emotional support to hundreds of families each year.

Yet despite leading a growing national charity, Jacqui remains personally connected to those affected by the condition, speaking directly with 10–15 people every week through the charity’s helpline.

What makes Jacqui’s journey so inspiring is not only the impact she has made, but the timing of her transformation. At a stage of life when many people feel their career paths are already set, she chose reinvention – proving that leadership, courage and purpose have no age limit.

Today, Jacqui continues to channel her experience, energy and compassion into advancing research, raising awareness and supporting families affected by Lewy body dementia.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the third quarter of life can be the beginning of the most meaningful work we ever do.

Jacqui will be sharing her story at the 34th annual Inspiring Women Awards on 15th May 2026. More details here.