Twenty-one-year-old Anna Fawcett, from Burton-in-Lonsdale, has graduated with a first class BSc honours degree in adult nursing.

Anna, who studied at the University of Chester, gained 90 per cent for her dissertation which researched communication methods between nurses and patients who have aphasia (difficulty in understanding words or finding the words they want to say) following a stroke.

“Her research proposal demonstrated both Anna’s academic ability and her respect for the people she cares for,” said Hazel Chapman, senior lecturer in nursing at the university. “She uses her abilities to meet their nursing needs holistically and sensitively in addition to communicating authentically and meaningfully both verbally and in writing.

“She demonstrates the essential nursing skills of empathy and unconditional positive regard, committing herself wholeheartedly to her studies.”

Anna said: “I am thrilled to make it through final year with a first-class degree, especially with having to juggle writing my dissertation with placements, my (then) fiance Rhys being admitted to hospital and planning our wedding, which took place on September 21.”

Anna now works as a staff nurse on a stroke unit in Manchester and eventually aims to work in research.