A READING-based charity has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, 2025.
The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre is a group of more than 60 volunteers that supports people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
This year, the centre provided more than 15,000 specialist therapy and complementary sessions, including physiotherapy, oxygen therapy, counselling, and footcare.
Its work has supported 380 people with MS and their families across Berkshire and the surrounding areas.
MS is an unpredictable neurological condition with no cure.
The most common cause of disability among young people in the UK, more than 150,000 people across the UK are diagnosed with MS.
The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre is one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious King’s Award this year.
The award is the highest honour a local voluntary group can earn in the UK, and is equivalent to a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, it aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.
Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s birthday.
“We are delighted that the hard work of our volunteers has been recognised, and this award is a real testament to the remarkable job our volunteers do,” said Neil Dawkins, the Chairman of the Trustees of the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.
“Every year our volunteers dedicate over 6,500 hours of their time and energy, providing a lifeline to our local MS community, and I couldn’t be prouder we have received this award.
“As someone with MS who uses the centre on a weekly basis, I am personally very grateful for all their hard work.”
Representatives of Berkshire MS Therapy Centre will receive the award crystal and certificate from Andrew Try, Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire.
Two volunteers from the charity will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace along with other recipients of the award.
“Our centre would not run without our volunteers and I am very proud to work alongside them,” said Pippa Vincent-Cooke, the charity’s Centre Manager.
“We are thrilled that our volunteers’ hard work has this spotlight upon it.
“This celebration is not just for our current volunteers but all those who have contributed over the last 40 years.”
Nominations for the 2026 King’s Award are now open.
For more information about The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, visit: bmstc.org or call 0118 901 6000.
To learn about the Kings Award, or to nominate, visit: kavs.dcms.gov.uk.
