'Foster mum's the reason I'm off to top university'

A medical student who grew up in care says she could not have secured her place at a top university without the support of her foster mother.

Olivia Ojemen went into the care system aged 16 but is now off to Birkbeck, University of London, to study biomedical science.

The now 18-year-old said that from the moment she walked into her foster mum Elda's Great Yarmouth home, she felt "so loved and cared for".

Elda Britto, 44, said she was "honoured" to be involved in Olivia's life, adding that everyone needs to support children in the care system to "give them a chance".

Olivia described her childhood in Nigeria as "financially challenging". After moving to the UK with her family, she found herself in care at the age of 16.

Elda said she "always wanted" to be a foster parent, and Olivia was the first child placed in her care.

Describing the moment they met, Olivia said she had the "warmest reception" and could "feel the effort" put in to make her feel welcome.

Elda quickly recognised Olivia's passion for education, helping her secure a laptop and find textbooks.

"She is an extremely hard-working girl," Elda said, "and she fought for this like I've never seen anyone fight for anything."

After achieving an A in biology, an A in maths, and a B in chemistry in her A-levels, Olivia she secured her place at Birkbeck in London.

She will attend on a scholarship, as her asylum status meant she was not eligible for student loans.

Olivia said she was "excited" to be heading off, adding that help from Elda was crucial.

"I don't think I would have been able to get the offers I got without her," she said.

While Elda said the "biggest effort always came from Olivia. I was honoured to be able to stand beside her and be part of it all."

Reflecting on her time in care, Olivia said she "always felt so loved and cared for" living with Elda and added that being in care did not have to "define your story".

"I feel like every child has amazing potential and possibilities. They just need people with enough love to be able to bring out the best in them," she said.

"To all the amazing foster carers out there, I'll tell them to keep doing great because they're actually doing amazing."

Elda has been fostering for four years now. She explained it could be "extremely hard", but most days are "very rewarding".

"I think one of the greatest messages that I would like to leave out there is to give these children a chance," she said.

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