HEIW celebrates Student Nurse of the Year: Alwen Sayer's inspiring journey

Published: 18/12/2025

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is celebrating the success of Alwen Sayer, a part-time nursing student who was recently named Student Nurse of the Year. Sponsored by HEIW, the award recognises outstanding achievement, commitment to patient care and leadership from within the first cohorts of the region’s new nurse education programmes at Wrexham University’s St Asaph Campus.

This success reflects HEIW’s strategic investment in widening access to nursing education in North Wales. Commissioned in 2022 following the strategic review of higher education in Wales, these programmes represent the first nurse training provision in North Wales in the St Asaph region for decades.

The part-time route enables Health Care Support Workers (HCSWs) to train as nurses while continuing to earn a salary, helping secure a pipeline of graduates and widen access to the profession. The programme achieved excellent National Student Survey (NSS) results this year.

This milestone shows how flexible training pathways - supported by HEIW - are unlocking talent and addressing workforce needs across North Wales.

Alwen shared:
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was young. Achieving excellent outcomes for patients during the pandemic was a pivotal moment - it gave me the confidence, skills, and motivation to pursue nursing.

I’m proud of the hard work that’s brought me here, from supporting fellow students as an e-Pad champion to achieving top grades and preventing harm during placement. Studying part-time has allowed me to train without financial stress. It’s taken longer, but it’s been worth it.”

Alwen graduates next year and hopes to work in cardiology or renal care, ideally in the Coronary Care Unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd (YGC).

This success demonstrates HEIW’s ongoing commitment to building a skilled, sustainable nursing workforce for Wales.

Find out more about nursing careers and education: Nursing and midwifery - HEIW