AN 18-YEAR-OLD student from Wiltshire College and University Centre has just been named BBC Radio 1’s ‘Teen Hero’ for her work as a young carer.

Keah Donlon was put forward by her aunt for being such a dedicated carer in the toughest of times.

Her aunt, Alison said: “Keah has developed into an amazing young woman, who is caring, compassionate, funny and has a strong social conscience.”

She will now get to co-host Friday morning’s Radio 1 show along with four other winners, and it is clear the teenager is more than deserving of every success coming her way.

Miss Donlon’s mum suffered a brainstem bleed in 2019. While she was in the intensive care unit, Keah’s father sadly passed away after a long illness.

But despite the tragic turn of events, the teenager has remained determined in the face of adversity and has dedicated her life to helping others.

She works part-time in a local care home to help young people with brain injuries as well as supporting other young people like her who have to look after someone.

The impressive teenager was announced as a winner live on Radio 1 Breakfast by presenter Greg James on Tuesday morning as fellow presenter Charlie Hedges turned up at her house with the surprise news.

Miss Donlon said: “I was really surprised to see them at the door, it was a bit overwhelming.

“I’m still in a bit of shock and I am not sure what to expect on Friday but being on the radio is definitely going to be something different.”

She added: “I’m enjoying my studies and I would like to be some sort of nurse. It would be nice to work in the community.”

Reflecting on the hardship she has been through, the student noted: “My mum suffered a bleed on the brain in 2019 and then suffered with pneumonia and nearly died.

“After she came out of hospital, I became her full-time carer as she needed a lot of help. During that time, my dad also passed away, but I managed to get through it.

“The college have been very helpful.They are really good and very understanding,” she added.

With word of her incredible work spreading far and wide, the health and social care student has even had the seal of approval from One Direction star Niall Horan.

Among other gifts and surprises included a message from the singer, as well as a special scene featuring some of the cast of BBC TV hospital drama Holby City, who highlighted some of her amazing work in the care sector.

Dale Bond, deputy head of department for health and life sciences, shared how pleased the college was about the news.

He said: “Everyone at Wiltshire College & University Centre is incredibly proud of Keah and this is wonderful recognition for everything she does.

“Keah has shown incredible resilience and perseverance in really difficult circumstances. She never complains, continues to give her absolute all to her studies and is an outstanding role model to her peers.”