Evan Francis
Nominee Profile
Location: Minster
Ev Francis is a communications professional, disability advocate, and the founder of Short Stuff Communications, a purpose-led PR agency built to amplify underrepresented voices and create meaningful change through storytelling. Drawing on her own lived experience of Fowlers Syndrome, ME, and long-term catheter use, Ev has become a nationally recognised voice for chronically ill and disabled communities—particularly those living with catheters.
She serves on the Patient Council for Fowlers Syndrome UK and is a regular columnist for ME Essential Magazine, using her platform to highlight the realities of life with chronic illness. Ev has featured in national publications including MailOnline, The Independent, The Mirror, Daily Star, Mail on Sunday and BBC News, advocating for urgent improvements in catheter care and increased visibility for underrepresented medical conditions. Her media campaigning led to a public apology from Greggs, following her public challenge to their lack of accessibility awareness—an act that sparked widespread conversation about inclusion in public spaces.
Ev has been hospitalised repeatedly due to severe UTIs and catheter complications, and at one point was denied essential care because of her age and living circumstances. These deeply personal challenges have driven her to push for policy changes, improved community healthcare, and greater recognition of invisible disability. Through Short Stuff Communications, she delivers impactful storytelling campaigns and educational workshops for GPs and healthcare teams, particularly focused on catheter care and Fowlers Syndrome awareness.
Ev is a trusted force in ethical communications and social impact. Her work is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the belief that stories—especially those too often ignored—have the power to change systems, shape policy, and inspire action.
She serves on the Patient Council for Fowlers Syndrome UK and is a regular columnist for ME Essential Magazine, using her platform to highlight the realities of life with chronic illness. Ev has featured in national publications including MailOnline, The Independent, The Mirror, Daily Star, Mail on Sunday and BBC News, advocating for urgent improvements in catheter care and increased visibility for underrepresented medical conditions. Her media campaigning led to a public apology from Greggs, following her public challenge to their lack of accessibility awareness—an act that sparked widespread conversation about inclusion in public spaces.
Ev has been hospitalised repeatedly due to severe UTIs and catheter complications, and at one point was denied essential care because of her age and living circumstances. These deeply personal challenges have driven her to push for policy changes, improved community healthcare, and greater recognition of invisible disability. Through Short Stuff Communications, she delivers impactful storytelling campaigns and educational workshops for GPs and healthcare teams, particularly focused on catheter care and Fowlers Syndrome awareness.
Ev is a trusted force in ethical communications and social impact. Her work is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the belief that stories—especially those too often ignored—have the power to change systems, shape policy, and inspire action.