THE SPECIAL AWARD

THE SPECIAL AWARD – NIKKI LILLY

In a time where social issues affecting future generations have dominated the news and the current zeitgeist, BAFTA’s Special Award recipient this year is inspirational British vlogger, YouTuber and television presenter Nikki Lilly – the first time the award has been given to a teenager.

Words by Rich Matthews

“Life isn’t always unicorns and rainbows. To get to the rainbow, you have to go through the rain.” Nikki Lilly has lived through enough challenges in her 15 years to say this with conviction, and yet, in a daily display of resilience, empathy and strength, she is out in the world sharing her feelings to hopefully help others.

Blue Peter's Lindsey Russell with Nikki Lilly and BAFTA Young Presenter 2019 competition winner Gracie

BAFTA/Thomas Alexander

“I’m just doing all that I can to help people feel a little less alone,” she says. “There’s a lot of negative comparisons on social media, so it’s important to have my corner of the internet to say that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.”

Lilly was born with an arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition that causes her veins to expand and rupture, triggering severe nose bleeds, migraines and face swelling. She’s had 70 major operations since first showing symptoms at the age of six. At eight, she started uploading videos tackling such issues as disability, mental health, online safety and lifestyle activities.

“I always want to be doing something,” she says. “A lot of people think I’m 100 per cent positive all of the time, but some days I do have to just stay in bed. But, when I can, I’ll turn to baking or makeup or singing to take my mind off the reality of having a chronic illness. It’s really important to strike a balance of not pushing yourself too hard, and, if you can, keep moving forward.”

Active she most definitely is. In 2016, Lilly won CBBC’s Junior Bake Off and was presented with the Child of Courage award at Pride of Britain. She’s been the subject of two BAFTA-nominated documentaries in the My Life series; ‘Born to Vlog’ went on to win an Emmy earlier this year, while ‘I Will Survive’ is nominated in the Factual category this evening. She has also fronted her own CBBC Show, Nikki Lilly Meets…, since 2018, in which she’s interviewed everyone from politicians Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn to sports stars Andy Murray and Raheem Sterling. With the aid of her parents, George and Tanya, she’s also found the time to help establish a charity to raise awareness and funds for vital research into her condition, The Butterfly AVM Charity. She embodies the media savvy and activism of her generation.

Nikki Lilly with England and Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling

Courtesy of recipient

“I want to spread positive messages as widely as possible,” she says. “Although my generation spends a lot of time on social media, there’s much more to us than people think. We truly care about one another and about making the world a better place. I want to do more documentaries. Cyber bullying, social media versus reality and what that does to your mental health, body image and global warming… for younger people who these things will affect most.” And there is a consistent message running through her work: “There will always be someone smarter and prettier but know your worth. You’re unique. If you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and are determined, then you can achieve anything.”

Through her BBC series, Lilly has been able to meet people who have inspired her, such as presenter Katie Piper, who paved the way for those who might otherwise feel they look different. About her meeting with Piper, Lilly says: “Both of our appearances changed and we had to come to terms with that. She said something to me that really stuck: ‘The more people see difference the less different it is and the more normal it will become.’”

Her true inspiration, however, is much closer to home. “It sounds corny but my parents are my best friends,” she smiles. “They’ve just kept overcoming the obstacles, kept fighting and kept a hopeful mindset. They’re a big reason I am who I am today.”

So, how does it feel to receive this BAFTA Special Award, surely one of life’s rainbows?

“It’s absolutely insane,” she grins. “There are so many other amazing people out there that deserve it more. But I’m utterly, utterly grateful and I feel very lucky.” ¥