A former criminal lawyer who changed careers to become a care assistant after surviving cancer and recognising the "invaluable importance" of healthcare has received a top award in her new vocation.

Laura Mattei was a criminal lawyer in her home country, Italy, before she moved to London with her husband in 2013.

In 2015 she developed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and after her recovery period decided to start a new career as a care assistant.

Laura, who works at Arthur House Care Home, in Wimbledon Park, won the Best Newcomer category at the regional Great London Care Awards.

She said: “My tough experience with cancer did not only help me understand the invaluable importance of healthcare professionals work and the absolute excellence of the NHS but also pushed me to reconsider my own priorities, including my professional path.

“My new aim in life is to do a job that enables me to help others and provide people who suffer the first class service and dedicated assistance I received at St George’s during my treatment.”

On winning the award, she said: “I am really proud of this achievement as there is a very positive story behind my new career in care.”

Laura's manager Nicolas Kee Mew received an award for Dignity in Care at the same ceremony.

Both Nicolas and Laura will now take part in the Great British Care National Finals in Birmingham in March, 2018.