FOR A second win of the night at the Place to be Proud of Awards on Thursday last week, an organisation’s support of those with Parkinson’s disease was honoured.

In one of the two awards earned by Basingstoke Sports Trust, the organisation was presented with the Business and the Community Award for its ongoing work helping with people with Parkinson’s.

After being approached by a local support group, the trust created a series of structured physical activity sessions at Basingstoke Sports Centre.

Speaking to the Gazette, specialist rehabilitation instructor Stephanie Wallis said: “We are proud to have been given the award.

“We have been offering the course since January, and it has proved popular, and fulfils a need that there is not always resources for.

“People with Parkinson’s are released with little to no guidance after being diagnosed, and they benefit from having the social interaction with people on the same level and in the same situation as them with no stigma.”

Chief executive of award sponsor Basingstoke Together, Lucy Boazman, said: “This is such a fantastic and well-deserved award for Basingstoke Sports Trust.

“They clearly demonstrated a fantastic commitment to supporting the local community through their specialised workshops and groups, providing a vital service for many local residents.

“All entries this year were really strong and it was very heart-warming to see such fantastic community spirit from the business community across Basingstoke.”

RUNNERS UP: Apollo Hotel and Taylors Hair and Beauty Salon