Variety would like to congratulate Marsha Rae Ratcliff on being awarded an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Marsha Rae became the first female Chief Barker of Variety in the UK in 1992. She created Rosie Rags in 1988 and the Gold Heart Appeal in 1990. Marsha Rae designed each heart for 11 years and her Gold Heart symbol has become a major fund-raising device for Variety around the world.

Marsha Rae has taken up a new role as Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen for 2017 and was installed as the 500th Master in October last year. To celebrate her appointment, Marsha Rae sponsored one of our Variety beneficiary, 11-year old Illias with a bespoke sports wheelchair so he can continue playing his favourite sport, wheelchair basketball.

Variety’s Chief Barker, Nick Shattock, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Marsha Rae has been awarded an OBE for charitable services in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. On behalf of all at Variety, I wish her many congratulations.”