Client Profile: Candy Shaw

Many of us relish the chance for an easier pace of life when we hit our 70s, but not Candy Shaw. The 77-year-old Cheltenham powerhouse has an impressive track history when it comes to taking on challenging projects, and she’s certainly not done yet. ‘I did try retirement for three months, but it was hell,’ she readily admits. ‘I love a challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.’

Candy is just coming up for air after a recent house move. Until recently, she and husband, William Barff, 79, ran a large property with five holiday homes. Seven months on, they are now happily ensconced in an idyllic five-bed period barn conversion, where she is busy putting her flair for interiors into practice. Many family photos line the shelves, and it’s obvious this is a close-knit clan. Nestled among the snapshots of their four respective children and William’s two grandchildren is a picture of her father, David, blowing out a single candle to mark his 100th birthday.

While Candy and William’s new home is a relative downsize, it doesn’t mean she’ll be putting her feet up. Far from it, in fact. Her next big project is a cause that couldn’t be closer to her heart, because she’ll be working with her beloved brother Graham Watson, a world-leading kidney surgeon who transformed countless lives by pioneering the use of lasers to break up kidney stones.

Devastatingly, Graham, 74, has been fighting Motor Neurone disease (MND), which has no known cure, for the last three years. However, his illness has inspired this formidable duo to join forces and champion his charity, the Medi Tech Trust. The initiative is dedicated to teaching minimally invasive surgical techniques in low-income countries and donating desperately needed surplus medical equipment abroad.

‘Graham’s diagnosis came as a big shock. He’s lived a much healthier lifestyle than us all,’ says Candy. ‘We’ve always been very close, but his illness has brought us even closer, and now we have these wonderful conversations, reminiscing about our shared memories. I do worry about the future, but he’s been incredibly brave, although his jokes leave a little to be desired!’

Father-of-three Graham, who lives in Eastbourne with his wife Caroline, is indeed on sparkling form, despite his ill health. Throughout Attivo Life’s photoshoot, he regularly has the team in stitches with his one-liners and it’s clear that while MND is taking its toll on his body, his wit is as razor sharp as ever.

‘I first noticed symptoms three years ago, when my muscles began to twitch,’ recalls Graham. ‘I was still operating, so I stopped just after my 73rd birthday and started teaching kidney surgery instead. Three years on, I’m doing remarkably well, but I lack energy, and I now have no muscle left in my hands. I’m on oxygen at night, and I need help with daily tasks, like cutting food and doing up my buttons.

‘I’m now quite dependent on others but that dependency also brings you closer to your loved ones, and Candy really looks after me. She was my guardian angel growing up, and it will be wonderful to work together now on Medi Tech.’

A formidable family bond

Both Graham and Candy are passionate about Medi Tech, and rightly so. Since its inception in 2002, it has saved hundreds of lives, largely through teaching surgical techniques in Sri Lanka and low-income African nations. In 2023, Graham received the Albert Schweitzer International Teaching Award, a prestigious prize given to one person globally each year.

‘In low-income countries, there are more deaths from lack of surgery than there are from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined,’ he says. ‘Even more shockingly, 30 million people face financial ruin every year because surgery is so expensive. Medical equipment is also badly needed, from basic dressings to surgical supplies.’
Graham is certainly an impressive speaker and, over the next few months, Candy plans to spearhead a series of events that will put the Medi Tech Trust firmly in the spotlight. She’s already started by persuading both Graham and their father, David, who celebrates his 103rd birthday this year, to
give a talk at Cheltenham institution, The New Club.

Incredibly, Graham isn’t the only Watson with a stellar medical pedigree. David is an eminent cardiothoracic surgeon who developed the first artificial heart valve, using tissue from pig hearts. In doing so, he dramatically reduced the mortality rate from open heart surgery. He also founded the charity Heart Research UK, which has funded pioneering research, including the first successful heart transplants, and saved millions of lives. ‘When Dad began operating, the mortality rate from heart surgery was 70 per cent,’ says Candy. ‘Thanks to his work, heart surgery is now safer than ever.’

Despite coming from a family of medical powerhouses, Candy is adamant she was never tempted to pursue a medical career. ‘No,’ she laughs. ‘Dad wanted me to be a nurse, but I got myself into art school in Harrogate instead. I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, but I’ve got my head screwed on.’

Care and compassion

Nevertheless, compassion has been a key part of Candy’s impressive career. After stints in interior design, hospitality and TV production, she took over an ailing care home and oversaw its transformation. She and William then launched their own care home consultancy, before buying and running seven residential homes for teenage girls.

‘The girls had been displaced by very tough circumstances and came into care relatively late in childhood,’ explains Candy, who has two daughters, Tamsin and Georgia. However, making a success of the business was far from easy. ‘When we bought our first home, social services said we had four weeks to turn it around,
or we faced being closed down,’ recalls Candy. ‘That really concentrated the mind! We did it, through sheer graft, and by the end, we were award-winning. We self-funded everything and took huge risks, but it paid off.’

Meanwhile, Candy and William – who is father to India and George – also developed property, including a house in Goa, India as well as buying a period barn conversion with five holiday rentals in the Cotswolds.

Attivo make a difference

‘When we sold our self-catering business, I realised that I had nothing on the go,’ adds Candy. ‘I wanted to be doing more, and so
in April I organised for Dad and Graham to talk at The New Club in Cheltenham.’

Attivo Chairman Stephen Harper also attended the inspiring event, and Candy credits the firm with giving her the freedom to pursue her goals. ‘From the minute I was introduced to my financial planner, Ryan Wright, by a friend, he absolutely understood me and knew what makes William and me tick,’ she says. ‘His diligence has saved me a huge amount of money. But it’s not just about the numbers; Attivo’s care goes far beyond financial planning. Shortly after we moved here, William had a heart problem and was rushed into hospital. One of the first people I called was Ryan; I knew he would give me the practical support I needed.

‘Now, the way he is managing our finances gives us peace of mind and enables us to enjoy the life we have worked hard to build. It’s also reassuring to know that our children have future security. But, perhaps most importantly, I feel emotionally and financially liberated – and that’s given me the freedom to focus on the work I’m doing with Graham.’

A future with purpose

While Candy is a patron of Cheltenham Festival and counts painting and travel among her many interests, she won’t be taking life easy just yet. Graham’s illness may have come as a huge blow, but this formidable pair is set on staying positive and looking to the future.

‘Graham’s illness is devastating, but it feels good knowing that we have a plan to forge forward with everything he has put into Medi Tech Trust,’ says Candy. ‘We’re working hard to continue his legacy. Things happen in life that can crush you, but it’s about having the guts to get yourself up and out, whatever it takes.’

For his part, Graham couldn’t agree more. ‘I’ve had MND for three years now, but I wouldn’t trade places with anyone,’ he says. ‘I’ve been blessed; my life has been so rewarding. To future generations, I’d say: appreciate what you’ve got, and do all you can to drive good work forward.’