Jade, 25, from Old Amersham, won the award after being nominated by Sarah, a 17-year-old pupil at Penn School for deaf children.

Jade, who is fluent in sign language, got to know Sarah four years ago when Sarah needed kidney dialysis at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital. She went with her twice a week and when Sarah had a kidney transplant last year, was with her for the operation.

Sarah, who lives with foster parents Ann and Eric when she is not at school, said: "When I had my kidney transplant Jade came to visit me without being asked. She has been with me when I needed her to explain things and helped me speak to the doctors and nurses. She has been a friend I can talk to. It's hard not being part of the hearing world and she has helped me with this so much."

The awards were made by the Who Cares Trust at Claridges in London. The 25 winners were nominated by children who had been in care, or are in care.

Jade was presented with her award by Kevin Sacre who plays Jake in Hollyoaks.

Jade is building a career in helping deaf people, inspired to do so by a friend of her father's who teaches deaf children. She started to learn sign language at Penn School and she hopes to start a degree course in deaf studies in September.

Her first job was as a learning support assistant at Stoke Mandeville Combined School which has a special unit for deaf children.

She is now a support worker for two deaf adult clients who have jobs and who she helps by answering phones and signing at meetings.

She also works for Young Deaf Activities, a High Wycombe charity. The group takes the children on trips, runs a youth club and helps hearing families learn sign language. Jade also raises funds for deaf charities.

She works for two services for disabled people run by Buckinghamshire Social Services; Befrienders and Take a Break.

Befrienders finds people to become the friends that disabled people often lack. Jade has befriended two adult deaf people under this scheme.

"They are very isolated at home and I encourage them. I go out with them and show them how to use the bus or train or just get them out for coffee."

Take a Break provides respite care for families of disabled people. Jade met Sarah this way and now helps two more deaf children.

Jade, who received a glass trophy and loads of presents, said: "I really didn't think I was doing anything special, but I am so pleased to have received this award. Sarah is a lovely girl and we have become close friends."

By Margaret Smith