A WOMAN who was not expected to live past 23 has been awarded an honorary masters for her selfless work.

Lucy Watts MBE, 24, of Swans Green Close, Benfleet, received the honorary degree from the Open University for commitment to public services for her work with 12 charities, while dealing with a life shortening condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects connective tissues in skin, tendons, ligaments and bones.

Lucy spends 21 hours a day hooked up to an intravenous drip directly to her heart, requiring care around the clock for the past seven years.

Despite not expecting to live past 23 and overcoming sepsis 13 times, Lucy is about to celebrate her 25th birthday next month.

She received her honorary degree on Friday September 21.

Lucy said: "This is in recognition for all the work I have done for people with health conditions and disabilities and within healthcare and on disability issues, and I am delighted to be considered worthy of such an honour.

"I am truly privileged to be recognised."

Lucy received her MBE in 2016 when she was 22, for services to young people with disabilities.

She works with charities including Together for Short Lives, the International Children's Palliative Care Network and Hospice UK as an ambassador or trustee, where she uses her experiences to help others suffering from similar life limiting conditions.

She said: "I do a lot of work, I take on far too much, and I suffer for doing so, with the potential that pushing my body to its limit.

"I continuously pursue my work, passions, interests and desire to make a difference, I could even be accelerating the decline in my progressive condition, but I want to live life to the fullest and do as much as I can whilst I’m still physically able, and whilst I’m still alive."

Lucy works mainly on projects within the UK, focusing of palliative care, which is caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families.

She also founded the group, Palliative Care Voices in 2017 and she has plans to set up a charity for young adults with complex health needs and disabilities.