My Big Buddy was founded in 2006 by Annie Merrylees, an Australian nanny working in London who recognised a real gap in childcare. Many families she knew were looking for positive male role models for their children but struggled to find them. Primary school children often had very limited exposure to male teachers, while teenagers in particular would have benefited from having strong, reliable male figures around them. Annie also noticed how much children loved energetic, active play — football in the park, sports, creative projects — yet many traditional nannies simply couldn’t keep up with the pace. She saw an opportunity to connect families with young men who already had valuable experience working with children through teaching, sports coaching, theatre, and music schools, and who wanted to bring those skills into family life.

How our agency has developed

That’s how My Big Buddy began: by introducing families to enthusiastic, responsible Buddies who could provide not only practical childcare, but also fun, inspiration, and mentorship. Over the years, the agency has grown into a trusted community where families find the support they need and Buddies build rewarding careers making a difference in children’s lives.

Annie returned to Australia in 2014, passing the daily operations of My Big Buddy to Jill. After five successful years, Clare stepped in to manage the day-to-day running of the agency, before Jill resumed leadership in 2025, becoming the owner of the company. Today, Jill works closely with Lorna, her Operations Manager and trusted right hand, to continue growing the agency. Together, Jill and Lorna are committed to ensuring that families across London can access the unique support of a Buddy — energetic, reliable male nannies who bring balance, fun, and positive role-modelling into children’s lives. The story of My Big Buddy continues with the same passion and purpose that inspired its founding in 2006.