My Body Is My Body Foundation

A history of child safety success

My Body is My Body is an Internationally acclaimed musical body safety program distributed in over 60 countries worldwide.

The History of My Body
The Birth of My Body Is My Body and Success across the United States

By Chrissy Sykes

💙 In Loving Memory of Kimberley Carlile

May your story continue to inspire change, protect the vulnerable, and remind us all of the importance of listening, caring, and taking action.Your life, though short, has helped light the way for millions of children around the world.

Some moments in life leave an imprint on your heart, shaping your path in ways you never expected. For me, that moment came in June 1986, when I was on a stopover in London on my way to the United States.

At the time, I was a South African country singer-songwriter and recording artist. I had just been invited to Nashville by the legendary producer Pete Drake, a dream opportunity for any musician. But while in London, I kept seeing the heartbreaking story of a little girl named Kimberley Carlile in the newspapers. She was just four years old—just like my own daughter at the time—when her short life was tragically ended by abuse. Kimberley endured severe abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Nigel Hall, and her mother, who subjected her to starvation and physical violence. She weighed only 24 lbs (about 11KG at the time of her death). Despite prior involvement from social services and healthcare professionals, critical opportunities to intervene and safeguard Kimberley were missed. An inquiry into Kimberley’s death revealed that her passing was preventable.

I remember feeling overwhelmed with sorrow and helplessness. How could something so awful happen to an innocent child? As I boarded my flight to the U.S., the words and melody of a song poured out of me. By the time I landed, Kimberley had been written. It was my way of honouring her, of giving a voice to children who suffered in silence. But at that moment, I had no idea where this song would take me.

A Chance Meeting in Texas

Fast forward to 1989. I was in Texas at a dinner party when the hostess, knowing I was a singer, asked me to play a song. I hesitated, then sat at the piano and played Kimberley for the first time in front of others.

Unbeknownst to me, one of the guests was the President of the Texas Child Welfare Board—a man who was deeply moved by the song. He asked if it could be used to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention. Of course, I said yes.

That year, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Texas Child Welfare Board sold 14,000 records and tapes of the song, raising $70,000 for child protection efforts.
Speaking to Large Audiences for the First Time

As part of the campaign, I was invited to tour across Texas to introduce Kimberley and talk to people about child abuse prevention. I was a singer, not a child protection professional, and I had no experience speaking in front of large audiences.
On my first day, I went to a school and spoke in front of 500 children, feeling completely out of my depth. But the next event was even more overwhelming—over 2,000 students at a high school!

I was nervous, but I spoke from the heart. What happened next was unexpected and deeply moving—children started opening up. After each talk, about 15% of the children came forward to disclose abuse they had never told anyone about before.
That experience changed me forever. I realised that music was a powerful tool to open up conversations about safety and empowerment.

I suggested to the teams at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that we develop a music-based programme, as it was clear that music was the key to truly connecting with the children. I asked them, “If you could include everything a child needs to know about staying safe, what would it be?” Their insights were invaluable, and over the next few months, I poured my heart into writing and shaping what would soon become the My Body Is My Body programme—a programme designed to empower children in a way that was engaging, memorable, and most importantly, effective.

I moved to Tennessee and the Program was referred to the Nashville Coalition On Child Abuse and Neglect by the Department of Human Services and the project became the Coalition’s first Major undertaking.

A research study published in the Journal of Music Therapy which involved children showed that music, and typically group singing activities like the “My Body Is My Body” program found an increase in trust and group cohesiveness and cooperation. In addition, singing and developing music skills
( like learning new songs) relate to increasing a more positive self-concept and development of self-esteem - helping kids feel better about themselves.

The Coalition felt that this program is a valuable instrument in Child Abuse Prevention and that it can truly make a valuable contribution, not only for child abuse awareness but even more importantly, child abuse prevention, allowing the rare opportunity to make a significant impact in causing a reduction of the number of children being victimised. A problem that up to now has seen a steady increase.

Our mission is to empower children

In a 5 year period I presented the program to over 350,000 children in Texas, Tennessee, Florida and Virginia, working with Schools, PTAs, Department of Human Services and Department of Education."

An Eye-Opening Conversation
One of the most profound moments in my journey came during a visit to the Tennessee State Prison, where I had the chance to ask some inmates a chilling but important question:
“What would you do if a child said NO to you?”
Their response? “We would look for another child who did not say no.”

That moment reinforced the most important message of the programme: We must educate as many children as possible to say NO!

A Global Movement
Today, My Body Is My Body is being used in over 63 countries, and more than 2.7 million children have been taught the programme. It’s making a real impact in communities worldwide, and I am deeply humbled by the dedication of so many people who have embraced it.

Now, with the incredible support of Rotary International, our 370 Ambassadors and Worldwide Partners, the programme is reaching even greater heights. Rotary Clubs and our Ambassadors around the world are bringing MBIMB into schools and communities, helping to empower children, educate teachers, and create safer environments for future generations.

This journey has been one I never could have planned, but I truly believe that some paths are meant to find us. If it was not for the invitation from Pete Drake, none of this would ever have hapenned. 
I am endlessly grateful to everyone who has helped make My Body Is My Body what it is today.

Together, we can continue to make a difference. Together, we can build a world safe for every child.

 

 

2024

MBIMB Partnered with Rotary International ICC's, Rotary International Zones 21 and 22 and ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention Of Child Abuse and Neglect)

2023

The MBIMB Foundation partnered with International Organisation EndViolence.org

2022

My Body Is My Body now has the program released in 26 Language translations around the world.

2017

We receive the support of the International Society For the Prevention Of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN).

2016

First My Body is My Body Animated Video Released in English.

1992

Over 350,000 children have been taught in schools.

1989

My Body is My Body Program is developed in Texas, United States.

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WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT PROTECTING CHILDREN

Our MBIMB Team

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Chrissy Sykes

Trustee and Founder

Founder of the MBIMB Programme & Foundation

Chrissy Sykes is an award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist whose musical journey has spanned continents—from the vibrant music scene of South Africa to the heart of country music in Nashville, USA. But it was her deep-rooted desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of children that led to her most meaningful work: the creation of the My Body is My Body (MBIMB) programme.

More than 35 years ago, Chrissy turned her talent for storytelling through song into a powerful educational tool. Collaborating with the U.S. Departments of Education and Human Services, she developed MBIMB—a free, music-based child safety programme designed to teach children how to protect themselves from abuse in a way that is simple, memorable, and empowering. For five years, Chrissy travelled extensively across the United States—visiting schools in Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, and Georgia—personally presenting the programme to over 350,000 children. She quickly realised that while live presentations were impactful, they couldn’t reach the millions of children who needed this life-saving information. With remarkable foresight and determination, she set out to digitise the programme and make it accessible to communities worldwide.

Chrissy spent four years learning animation, setting up her own music studio, and producing the MBIMB animations in English. In 2017, the first set of animated videos was launched—and the response was. phenomenal. Requests soon flooded in to translate the programme into other languages, and today, MBIMB is available in 30 languages and has been viewed more than 2 million times on YouTube. The true impact, however, goes far beyond online numbers—thousands of schools, NGOs, and community groups in areas with limited internet access use MBIMB offline every day.

Chrissy’s work extends beyond MBIMB. She serves on the Distinguished Advisory Council of ISPCAN (International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), and in a landmark step, MBIMB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rotary International Inter-Country Committees, expanding its reach through Rotary networks worldwide.

As she reflects on over three decades of advocacy and impact, Chrissy remains as passionate as ever. Her mission is simple but powerful: to educate, empower, and protect every child through music, love, and community. Backed by an ever-growing team of volunteers and supporters, she continues to build a safer, brighter future—one child at a time.

Antonia Noble

Antonia Noble

Trustee

Antonia Noble brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and commitment to her role as a Trustee of the My Body Is My Body Foundation. With over 25 years’ experience as a Barrister, Antonia has not only mastered the art of communicating complex information clearly and logically—but also carries a deep-rooted passion for justice, fairness, and creating better outcomes for those most in need.

A powerful advocate for making safeguarding accessible and achievable, Antonia is on a mission to simplify safeguarding so that more children can live safer, empowered lives. She believes safeguarding doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and works tirelessly to support those who lead in safeguarding roles, creating safe spaces where Designated Safeguarding Leads and professionals can access vital information, advice, and emotional support.

Through her work as co-founder of Safeguarding Fundamentals (home of the Safeguarding Quality Mark), Antonia develops and delivers practical safeguarding training across sectors—including education, social care, and sports. Her topic-specific courses (such as on exploitation and modern slavery) have been approved by respected bodies like CPD Certification, the NSPCC, and the Football Associations. She is also the author of our free Safeguarding Fundamentals course, available on the MBIMB website.
Antonia’s public service includes seven years as a cabinet member at Gloucestershire County Council, with experience across health and wellbeing, joint commissioning, safeguarding adults and children, and community safety. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of how systems connect—and the importance of placing children’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of them all.

Nick Askew

Trustee

A thoughtful and compassionate leader who empowers others to lead using their natural passion, strategic communication, and emotional intelligence. Specializes in creating sophisticated software and using automation and AI to reduce expenses and increase performance. Featured on the cover of Auto Dealer Today, I held and excelled at multiple Automotive retail positions, including Sales, F&I, and Sales Manager; with an extensive background in Sales and Marketing. I grew to the position of Digital Director for a 40-store automotive group in Texas before embarking on my own mission... To revolutionize the standard of automotive retail, making buying a car a delightful experience, once and for all.

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Dee Russell Thomas

Dee Russell Thomas

Trustee

With over 30 years of education experience in the UK and overseas, in state and private sector and from infant through to University level, Dee is able to support, advise and provide training in areas of school improvement, planning for inspections, lesson observations and performance management. With specific expertise in "Closing the Gap" for our most vulnerable young people (BME,FSM,CLA) and ensuring equality of opportunity, her approach is non-threatening, based on proven, practical initiatives and successful stories. Dee is also a School Improvement Partner/ Head Teacher appraiser, a trained Ofsted inspector, an evaluator for the Ministry of Education in the Northern Emirates, UAE, an inspector for KHDA/DSIB in Dubai and an inspector/evaluator for British Schools overseas.(Africa and Asia) Her expertise in child protection, safeguarding, care and support and inclusion is supported by her in-depth understanding of causes and effects of abuse. She has researched, written and delivered courses on breaking the silence, self-harm, eating disorders as well as exogenous and endogenous depression and suicide. She has received numerous nominations and awards for her work including Teacher of the Year, National Mentoring Award, Outstanding Contribution to Community Development, Local Heroes Award and Global recognition of her services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers. She has been appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire by the late Queen Elizabeth II. She is UK GGA Chair for Child Welfare, MBIMB Ambassador, Executive Director of UK Global Goodwill Ambassadors and Managing Director of DGRT Educational Consultancy Ltd.

Nick Gazzard OBE

Nick Gazzard OBE

Trustee

Nick created the Hollie Gazzard Trust, following the murder of his daughter Hollie by her former partner in February 2014. Wanting to do something positive in Hollie’s name, Nick was determined to try and prevent similar tragedies by increasing awareness of domestic abuse and stalking and the devastating effect it causes. Through his work with schools, colleges, community groups and businesses he has inspired many people with the story of how he gave his own experience a positive outcome, highlighting his passion for helping others.

Nick is held in high regard as a keynote motivational speaker and speaks regularly at conferences and training events for many statutory agencies, including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Probation Service and for Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy service.

Many media outlets have taken an interest in the work Nick does and he has given countless interviews including ITV’s ‘Tonight’ and ‘This Morning’ and the BBC’s Breakfast Programme. He has appeared on many TV programmes including the Victoria Derbyshire Show, Crimewatch, Rip Off Britain and Loose Women. He also been involved in several documentaries which tell Hollie’s story and highlight the work of The Hollie Gazzard Trust. These include most recently: Netflix, My Lover, My Killer. He has also given countless interviews to national and local media. In 2024 the Trust commemorated the 10-year anniversary of Hollie’s death, and this generated a great deal of media interest: Nick appeared on ITV’s Loose Women, the Trust was featured extensively across local TV and radio programmes, and several newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, The Sunday Mirror and Best featured interviews with Nick.
In 2020 Nick suffered a stroke and had to learn to walk and talk again. His determination to continue to deliver Hollie’s legacy drove Nick forward while working on his recovery.
In 2021 Nick was given the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award for his work in safeguarding in the community. In 2022 he received a commendation from the Chief Crown Prosecutor for the West Midlands, and the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire’s award. Nick was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Hartpury in recognition of his dedication to raising awareness and delivering training for the prevention of domestic abuse and stalking and made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Gloucestershire for his work with the University in 2024. Nick was also awarded an OBE for service to tackling violence against women in the King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours.



Caroline Flynn

Trustee

With over 30 years’ experience in Social Care and Management—including eight years as a Child Protection Chairperson—I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing difference that early intervention can make. At the heart of my work is a deep belief in relational practice: empowering families and practitioners through strengths-based, system-informed support that builds resilience and trust.

In 2018, I created the MAAPP ‘LinkIndex’ keyring—an innovative safeguarding toolkit designed to give frontline professionals immediate access to essential resources through QR codes. Covering vital areas such as Domestic Abuse, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), Family Support, Mental Health, Education, and more, the LinkIndex connects users directly to trusted websites, PDFs, and videos from professional organisations. It’s now used nationally across Health, Education, Social Care, and the Police, helping reduce delays and improve outcomes for children and families.

Joining the MBIMB Foundation as a Trustee aligns perfectly with my passion for prevention, protection, and practical tools that truly make a difference. I’m deeply committed to helping families and professionals feel empowered, supported, and connected—and I’m always open to working with those who share this vision.

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Dr.Tufail Muhammad President ISPCAN

..Dr Tufail Muhammad

Advisory Board

Dr. Tufail Muhammad (MD, MCPS, DCH, DCPath) is a paediatrician by profession. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Child Rights & Abuse Committee, Pakistan Pediatric Association and Director of the Regional Training Institute Peshawar. He has postgraduate qualifications and training in Pediatrics, Clinical pathology, public health and Reproductive health.
Dr. Tufail Muhammad has more than 32 years of experience in the field of CAN and Child protection. He has more than 30 research papers to his credit and has presented more than 60 papers at international conferences in several countries worldwide.

Tufail is also currently the Chair Technical Advisory Group on Child Rights, Child and Environment, Asia Pacific Pediatric Association.

He has also co-authored a book (Your amazing baby) on the growth and development of Pakistani infants (published by Save the Children UK.

Nancy Abdelhadi Elbassiouny

Nancy Abdelhadi

Advisory Board
Head of African Development

Nancy has extensive business development, marketing, communications, public relations, event planning and research expertise as well as a rich academic and professional background on regional and international levels.

She also has comprehensive organizational, public relations and management competencies, a proven track record of planning and managing diverse programs and projects and executing complex administrative assignments contributing to the achievement of predefined organizational goals and objectives.

 

.Darwin Moses

Advisory Board
Head Of Disability and Inclusive Development

Dr. Darwin Moses is a passionate and highly experienced social development professional with over 19 years of dedicated service to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. His career spans a wide spectrum of thematic areas including special education, inclusive education, livelihood development, advocacy, and national and international networking.

Dr. Moses brings extensive expertise in inclusive development, disaster management, and community outreach, having led numerous large-scale, high-impact initiatives across India and abroad. His strategic leadership in education, skills training, and environmental sustainability has positively transformed the lives of countless individuals and communities.

He is widely recognised for pioneering inclusive sports programs that promote participation, equality, and visibility for people with disabilities. Dr. Moses has successfully organised a wide range of adaptive sports events, including:

Paralympic Floor Hockey, Cricket for the Blind, Volleyball for the Blind, Chess for the Blind, Hearing-Impaired Cricket and Chess Tournaments, Wheelchair Cricket, Physical Disability Volleyball, Kabaddi, and Cricket, Arm Wrestling for Persons with Physical Disabilities, and most recently, the 1st Ever Women’s Blind Cricket Tournament.

His commitment to disaster risk reduction and post-disaster rehabilitation, particularly for vulnerable populations, has earned him multiple awards and recognition in the development sector. He has also played a key role in managing global volunteer networks and fostering meaningful partnerships with grassroots organizations.

Dr. Moses holds a Master of Social Work, along with advanced training in disability and inclusive development, child protection, and grant management. His drive to build inclusive communities and create equitable opportunities aligns powerfully with the mission of My Body Is My Body.

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Annemarie Mostert

Advisory Board
Head Of Worldwide Community Outreach

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My Body is My Body relies on global volunteers and partners to present the program to children, share with the community, and outreach with other organizations so we can reach even more children. Please contact us if you have any questions about how to get involved.

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