Natalie Hay shares her experience as a parent carer for her son as he battled Lyme disease, and offers her insight and support to parents caring for children with the illness.
(Recorded Tuesday 21st July 2026)
Natalie Hay
Natalie Hay is a children’s rights campaigner, educational professional, and parent carer advocate. Her son was ill with Lyme disease for six years. This gave her first-hand insight into the realities of caring for a child with a complex, poorly understood condition. She understands the barriers families can face in gaining a diagnosis and treatment for Lyme, and ensuring a child has the right education which does not jeopardise their health and recovery.
Natalie’s son is a success story because he has made a full recovery and is soon to attend university. She shares her story in the hope of inspiring and supporting others on their challenging journey.
Natalie is the founder of Open Doors Education Ltd. She has spent many years supporting children and families through her work in education, SEND, and disability advocacy. Natalie is best known for leading the Free School Meals Disability Inclusion Campaign. This challenged the exclusion of disabled children from support and led to a change in Department for Education guidance. Her campaigning has been recognised nationally, including by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs).
The Parent Carer
Natalie is also the author of The Parent Carer: A Survival and Advocacy Handbook for Raising Children with Additional Needs (available on Amazon). This empowering handbook for carers includes chapters on chronically ill children, the realities of the parent carer role, and practical guidance on accessing support and help.
