Lucy Watts

Health Advocate and Activist

Lucy Watts is a 25 year old with international reach. She founded the Palliative Care Voices network and set up the charity YACCA (Young Adults Complex Condition Alliance). Lucy is determined that all young people with complex medical needs and life-limiting illnesses have the tools and support to live rich and fulfilling lives. 

Lucy has a rare form of mitochondrial disease and has been disabled since age 14. When creating her end of life plan she knew she wanted to make a difference with the time she has left. She found her calling when she was invited to speak at a reception in Parliament. She has become a sought after speaker and consultant, praised for her ability to translate complex policy and legislation topics – like transition to adulthood and disability and sexuality – into direct lived experience examples.

Lucy says: “Life is what you make of it, so make it amazing. My work gives me the chance to make constructive use of my experiences to benefit others; I have found my purpose in life, and I am contributing to society in my own way.”

Lucy requires round the clock care from an intensive care nurse, needs intravenous nutrition and has an assistance dog named Molly – who she trained herself with help from Dog A.I.D. Sometimes working via videolink, Lucy co-leads research projects and sits on a huge number of committees and healthcare groups. She is an Ambassador for five organisations and a member of the NHS Assembly and forum groups for Hospice UK and the British Medical Journal.

Lucy works to ensure palliative care is recognised as a human right and included in health coverage internationally. Last year the Director-General of the World Health Organisation met her personally. Lucy has an Honourary Masters degree from the Open University and an MBE. 

lucy-watts.co.uk