The Voice advertisement including Vicky. Photography by Rosie Barnes.
Ageing — A Journey of Wonder and Challenge
When asked what excites her most about ageing, Vicky pauses. “I wouldn’t say ‘excite,’ exactly,” she reflects. Instead, she describes a feeling of wonder — something intangible and ever-shifting.
“I never expected to live this long, let alone with the quality of life, the family, the sense of purpose that I have. It’s not always easy —when the cold weather hits, it saps my energy. But I step back, look at the bigger picture, and remind myself of how far I’ve come.”
"I didn’t just want to participate — I wanted to shape how things worked."
That bigger picture includes a lifetime of advocacy, deep personal losses, and a resilience that has carried her through. “I’ve had cancer, I have Graves’ disease and osteoporosis, but osteoarthritis is what disrupts me the most. It showed up everywhere, all at once. At first, I thought, ‘That must be a mistake.’ But then I had to accept it—why not me?”
Despite these challenges, she remains pragmatic. “There’s no cure. The goal is mitigation. Some people resist medication, fearing they’ll lose control. But for me, understanding my condition and using safe, effective treatments is just common sense.”
"For me, understanding my condition and using safe, effective treatments is just common sense."
The Power of Lived Experience in Research and Business
Vicky’s life has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to justice. From her work in trade unions to running a charity for asylum seekers, she has always believed in action over words.
“When you join a union, you’re not just signing up for representation — you’re joining a movement for social change.” She recalls traveling between 127 different workplaces, advocating for workers whose struggles were often invisible to those in power.
It was this same passion for meaningful engagement that led her to Voice. What started as simple surveys evolved into long-term research projects and advisory roles. “I didn’t just want to participate — I wanted to shape how things worked.”
A portrait of Vicky, captured for the Voice advertising campaign. Photography by Rosie Barnes.
Does Vicky believe businesses truly listen to people like her?
“Some do, but many just tick the ‘public involvement’ box. The question is: do they actually want us, or do they just need us?” Vicky hopes to see companies move beyond tokenism, truly valuing the perspectives of those with lived experience. “We’re not here to create problems — we’re here to help solve them. People with health conditions become problem-solvers by necessity. Businesses could learn from that.”
"Just step up. Engage. You don’t have to start big — do a small survey, explore an opportunity. Eventually, it all comes to you. But first, you have to say yes."
Late-Life Adventures and the Joy of Staying Involved
Despite a life of service, Vicky hasn’t lost her sense of fun. In recent years, she’s even become a supporting actor in TV and film. “Yesterday, I was in an ad for a board game. What nonsense. What fun. It’s a hoot!”
She also remains deeply engaged in research and advocacy, knowing that her contributions make a difference. “I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t — how groups can truly engage people or waste their time. I don’t just walk away when something isn’t right — I leave constructive messages behind.”
For those considering joining Voice, Vicky’s advice is simple: “Just step up. Engage. You don’t have to start big — do a small survey, explore an opportunity. Eventually, it all comes to you. But first, you have to say yes.”
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