Deborah, second from left, receiving her award

A Preston nurse who spent time during her studies working in a Rwandan hospital has been given an award.

Deborah Huyton, 29, said she was ‘overwhelmed’ at receiving the most inspirational student nurse of the year award.

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The former Brownedge St Mary’s Catholic High School and Cardinal Newman College pupil spent her placement during her nursing course at the University of Central Lancashire volunteering in the Rwandan hospital’s intensive care unit.

Deborah said: “The intensive care unit had just eight beds so it really put things into perspective and made me really appreciate our NHS even more.

“In Rwanda people walk for days just to see a doctor.”

The former horse riding instructor attended a ceremony in London to collect her Student Nursing Times Awards prize.

She said: When my name was read out I could feel my heart pounding and I just felt overwhelmed. I never set out to do anything special and I feel so honoured to be given this award.”

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UCLan’s head of the school of nursing Dr Karen Wright said: “We are incredibly proud of Deborah. She is truly an inspirational student who demonstrates all the core values of a compassionate nurse.

“She is an innovative, committed and authentic young woman who really shines as a person who has, and will make a difference to people’s lives by her sincere and evidence-based approach to nursing.”

Deborah, who lives in Lostock Hall, has been offered nursing jobs at Preston, Birmingham and Warwick once she graduates.

Do you know Deborah? What do you think of her award? Let us know in the comments below