A VOLUNTEER from Basingstoke has netted a national award as a result of many years of dedication.

John Smith has been with the Basingstoke branch of the charity Headway for over 20 years, and on December 7, he was given the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.

The award, sponsored by No5 Barristers' Chambers, was given to John after his diligent service, initially as a part of a corporate volunteering day, but then stayed on to continue to help.

Speaking to The Gazette, John said: "It is a privilege to have worked with them for so long, it's been an honour and a great place to be.

"I started with them around 23, 24 years ago while I was working for the AA and we spoke to them and identified a number of ways that we could help them, like waterproofing the building and other areas.

"From then I stayed on, becoming a trustee and vice-chair at one point."

John, a retired business analyst, made use of his skills when the branch had its NHS funding withdrawn, and he led the successful project to gain funding from the Clinical Commissioning Group.

He also helped them to directly employ staff for the first time.

The 70-year-old added: "It really is a super organisation, and very professional. We've been very fortunate with our volunteers and support over the past years. It has been a privilege to be with the organisation."

Chief executive of Headway, Peter McCabe, said: “John is an incredible individual who has shown outstanding commitment and dedication to Headway Basingstoke for more than 20 years.

“He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the charity continues to offer support to individuals and families affected by brain injury.

“His contribution to help organise the charity when they were in a challenging situation was exceptional and he is a very worthy winner of this special award.”

John has now stepped down as a trustee, and will be spending more time with his family.