BASINGSTOKE'S vaccination centres have been recognised in an awards ceremony showcasing Basingstoke's finest.

The team at the Hampshire Court Hotel and Basingstoke Fire Station won the health and care award at the Place to be Proud of Awards, which took place on April 29.

Hosted by Destination Basingstoke virtually for the second year running, the ceremony gave out ten awards to the heroes of Basingstoke.

Among them were the healthcare professionals and volunteers who have run the town's vaccination centres, with the award coming on the day that the Hampshire Court Hotel administered its 100,000th vaccine.

It has been recognised as one of the best performing centres in the UK, and even received special praise from health secretary Matt Hancock.

Ashley Diaz-Granados, president of the award's sponsor Lilly UK, said: "Huge congratulations from Lilly to the deserving winners of the Health and Wellbeing award, the teams at the Hampshire Court and Basingstoke Fire Station COVID vaccination centres.

"The centres are staffed by an incredible army of volunteers who have made a massive difference to the health of the community. Everyone involved is a truly deserving winner."

Among the other winners was Claire Weatherhead, in the Gazette-sponsored Parent in a Million award.

Claire has a large family and works hard as a carer, and even stepped up to look after her sister's children when she became ill.

“Claire is someone who despite great personal loss and challenges has always shown dedication to her family," said Bill Browne, publisher of the Gazette. "Her caring nature is clearly infectious and the support she continues to give both to her children and her sister and her nine children is nothing short of heroic.”

Meanwhile, record breaker Richard Curtis was named fundraiser of the year.

The landlord at The Portsmouth Arms hit the headlines after he raised thousands for charity by hosting marathon pub quizzes.

Mark Dolby, director of Beaufort Financial, said: "“Richard has been an inspiration to so many over last 12 months and brought a real sense of community spirit and togetherness, even when we couldn’t be together in person.

"His support of local charities has made a real difference and raised awareness to those who need our support more than ever."

There was also a special award from the judges for Ali Foss, the principal of Queen Mary's College.

“Ali Foss has been a fantastic ambassador for Basingstoke and especially the next generation, and we would like to thank her by presenting her a special lifetime achievement award to mark the end of over 30 years at QMC and as a as a real champion of young people and, as well as a thank you for many years supporting these awards,” said Felicity Edwards from Destination Basingstoke, who presented the awards.

The full list of award winners:

  • Arts & Entertainment - Jodie Marsh-Hoffman
  • Young Role Model - Ben Soones
  • Unsung Hero - Catherine Waters-Clark
  • Health & Care - Covid vaccination centres
  • Community Project - M3 Job Club
  • Business and the Community - Limeleaf Thai Restaurant.
  • Parent in a Million - Claire Weatherhead
  • Good Neighbour of the Year - Rodney and Marilyn Scott
  • Fundraiser of the Year - Richard Curtis
  • Special Award - Ali Foss