The European diabetes community is deeply saddened by the loss of Anne Marie Felton, who passed away peacefully at home on May 9, 2026, surrounded by her family. She will be remembered for her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on European diabetes advocacy, nursing leadership and person-centred care.
For nearly three decades, Anne Marie dedicated her life to improving the lives of people living with diabetes, becoming one of the most influential voices for diabetes nursing and health policy in Europe.
As founding member and experienced President of Foundation of European Nurses in Diabetes (FEND), Anne Marie worked tirelessly to raise the profile of diabetes nursing across Europe. Under her leadership, FEND became a key voice in advancing diabetes education, professional standards and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Her impact extended well beyond nursing. Anne Marie also served with distinction as Vice-President of International Diabetes Federation and played an active role within the wider diabetes community. Throughout her career, she advocated relentlessly for stronger policies, better care pathways and greater recognition of the rights and needs of people living with diabetes. In the UK, she also contributed significantly to Diabetes UK, where she served as Vice-President and later Ambassador.
Chris Delicata, President of the Maltese Diabetes Association and Advisor for Policy and Advocacy at IDF Europe, paid tribute to Anne Marie’s remarkable legacy:
“A diabetes warrior who worked for almost three decades to raise the profile of diabetes. She gave so much and her pride was to see diabetes on top of Europe’s health agenda”.
Through her close collaboration with IDF Europe, Anne Marie played an instrumental role in several landmark European advocacy initiatives, including the EU Diabetes Working Group and the launch of the Diabetes Policy Puzzle, a landmark publication examining the state of healthcare policy and care across Europe.
She was known for her ability to combine scientific understanding with empathy and practical action. Whether mentoring diabetes nurses, engaging policymakers in the European Parliament or supporting local advocacy initiatives, Anne Marie never lost sight of the individual behind every diagnosis.
Her lifelong commitment to nursing makes it especially poignant that she passed away during the period surrounding International Nurses Day, a special occasion that each year highlights the essential contribution nurses make to the lives of people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anne Marie was remembered as a loyal friend and a source of encouragement to many. Her legacy will continue through the many nurses she mentored, the organisations she helped shape and the countless people whose lives were improved through her work.
We extend our deepest condolences to her husband Mike, her daughter Imogen and son-in-law Dan, her grandson Rufus and all her family, friends and colleagues.
A memorial page has been created to honour Anne Marie’s life and legacy, where friends and colleagues can share memories and tributes.
Anne Marie Felton will be remembered as a compassionate leader whose dedication changed lives across Europe and beyond.
