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A care worker from Caerphilly has won a national award just days after giving birth.

Sarah Russell, who is the education and care principal at Ty Bronllys residential school, near Brecon, has won a Wales Care Award after helping a young man with autism secure a place at the school.

She won the Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People category after her efforts helping a youngster who “presented with significant and complex behaviour”.

The award was presented at a ceremony in City Hall, Cardiff on October 21, just days after Sarah gave birth to her daughter, Amber.

Sarah, who is currently on maternity leave, said the win “means everything” to her and said the award “is a credit to the team who worked so hard to deal with this challenging issue”.

She continued: “I was the manager but there was a large team working together towards the same goal and I know the mother of this young man is very happy at the outcome.

“She knew that I was up for the award and texted me before the ceremony to wish me good luck and said I was always a winner in her eyes. She later sent me another message to congratulate me and added she always thought I would win.”

Speaking about how she felt receiving the award, Sarah said: “I couldn’t stop crying but it was so amazing, so lush to be there with all the other members of the team.”

The residential school Sarah works at is run by Orbis, which runs specialist schools and residential homes for children and adults with complex needs, such as autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Lisa Cowles, Head of Therapies at Orbis Education and Care, said Sarah’s work was “challenging but truly remarkable”.

She said: “The young person has made immense progress, increased his independence, is dependent upon fewer staff, has fewer restrictions, enjoys his life and is enjoying his relationships with his family. Sarah’s work has been inspiring.

“Also, as a by-product, her work has enabled a family to get their lives back, improving their relationships and quality of their lives across the board. It is also something which has inspired his Mum to go and work in a special school, to, in her words, “give something back.”

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said: “I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the wonderful people who work in social care after the rose magnificently and courageously to meet the unprecedented challenges they have faced over the past couple of years.

“Our finalists are the best of the best and are here representing the whole social care workforce who all deserve a big pat on the back.”