😱 😨 At just six years old, a diagnosis changed her life: a rare disease that deformedpart of her face. Today, at 21, this influencer made a powerful impression as she walked the famous red carpet steps at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time, on May 21. Discover why in the first comment 👇👇👇👇
At the age of six, she was diagnosed with a rare arteriovenous malformation affecting part of her face. Now 21, this British influencer left a lasting mark during her debut appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.
That day, ahead of the screening of The History of Sound, the young woman stepped onto the iconic red carpet. Despite living with a condition that has required nearly 90 procedures since childhood, she climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals with confidence, dressed in an elegant red gown.
Her inspiring presence sparked a wave of enthusiastic comments: “What strength and courage to be where you deserve to be. Respect!”, “Bravo to you, miss, you have the right to exist and bring a fresh outlook to the world,” “A resilient woman, proud in every circumstance! You radiate confidence, that red dress is stunning on you,” read some of the reactions under a video.
A committed and determined influencer
Her appearance on the Croisette also highlights the growing impact she’s having in the public sphere. Born in 2004 in London, she launched her YouTube channel at just eight years old—only two years after receiving her diagnosis.
Through this platform, she shares tips, advice, moments from daily life, as well as reflections on verbal cruelty, emotional suffering, and her frequent hospital stays. Her authenticity has helped build a loyal community. Today, she has 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube and over 600,000 followers on Instagram.
But her commitment goes far beyond the digital world. Deeply involved in raising awareness among young people about social issues, she became, in 2019 at just 15 years old, the youngest-ever recipient of a BAFTA Special Award. “I never imagined that at eight years old, with my very first video, I’d one day receive a BAFTA,” she said in a statement.
She added: “I wanted to show that beyond hardships, it’s possible to enjoy every moment. I’m proud that from my little corner of the internet, I’ve brought hope, proved to people that they matter, and that they should be proud of themselves—just as I am of myself.” She dedicated the prestigious award to everyone living with a chronic illness. More honors followed, including an International Emmy Kids Award, the “Child of Courage” title at the Pride of Britain Awards, and a memorable appearance on Junior Bake Off on CBBC.
She also uses her platform to promote equal opportunities and advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the fashion industry. She has participated in several runway shows, including Emilia Wickstead’s in London on May 25, and attended the Fashion Awards in December 2024.
A fight to change mindsets
Artificial intelligence, though full of promise, still too often reinforces stereotypes about facial differences. According to her, it’s essential for developers to involve affected communities to prevent such biases from being amplified.
Her journey has inspired two documentaries: Born to Vlog and I Will Survive. Since then, she has hosted her own BBC show, Nikki Lilly Meets, in which she interviews influential personalities. She also leads a charity focused on raising awareness of arteriovenous malformations. Her high-profile appearance in Cannes stands as a powerful message of resilience and self-acceptance.
