2025 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: Disability
Katie is a passionate disability activist and content creator living with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and a visible difference. After a spinal cord injury at age 11 left her temporarily paralysed, Katie spent months in hospital and years rebuilding her life. Now using her platform @bykatie.k across Instagram and TikTok, Katie challenges ableism, celebrates difference, and shows others they’re not alone. Her honest, uplifting content resonates deeply with disabled and visibly different communities. Katie previously volunteered with The Back-Up Trust, where she helped design youth support services and led skills courses for young people with spinal cord injuries. She also co-founded ‘Whole Lotta Love Packages’, sending care boxes to seriously ill children. In 2024, Katie became a campaigner for Changing Faces, continuing her mission to create more representation, community, and kindness for people with visible differences.