Graduate on fast rack to success with award nod

A TALENTED microbiology graduate who embarked on a degree aged just 16 is celebrating her latest milestone - a national social care award nomination.

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Deborah Deru, 23, who lives in Mount Pleasant, Swansea, moved to the UK in late 2022 to pursue a master's degree in public health at Swansea University after completing her degree in microbiology at the University of Georgia in the USA - two years ahead of time.

She took up a role as a support worker with M&D Care in Swansea a year later, supporting adults with complex physical and mental health needs at a supported living facility in Morriston, and quickly progressed to a senior support worker.

Now the talented graduate, who originally wanted to become a doctor and was fast-tracked through school in the US because of her remarkable brainpower, is in the running for one of the social care industry's most prestigious accolades - a Wales Care Award 2025.

The awards, sponsored overall by Meddyg Care and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector, with all finalists guaranteed to come away with either a gold, silver or bronze prize in recognition of their achievements.