A UK based international organisation aided and supported by the Rotary Club of Dartmouth has been selected as a recipient for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017.

PhysioNet was established in 2005 with the aim of providing physiotherapy and mobility equipment for the disabled in developing countries. Bulk collections of equipment are made from the NHS, Social Service Departments, Local Education Authorities and the private sector throughout the UK.

PhysioNet is based in North Yorkshire with support centres in East Anglia, Lancashire, South East and the West Country. Equipment is checked and listed at the PhysioNet depot in North Yorkshire. Items are then sent in 40’ containers to destinations around the world, including Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

This award was created by The Queen in 2002 to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, recognising excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

The work of PhysioNet was very much admired by the independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, and represents a tremendous achievement.

Rotary Club of Dartmouth President Elect Mike Freeman, who has been instrumental in organising the collection and delivery of donated equipment from the South West said, “Members of Dartmouth Rotary Club share in this proud moment for our friends in PhysioNet.

“We have provided logistical/practical help for over 2 years, and have enjoyed strong support from our members, many of whom have loaded and driven the trucks. Thank you for your continued support in getting this disabled equipment to vulnerable people, children especially, across the planet, who have no NHS to sustain their conditions.”

David Kaye, Chairman of PhysioNet added, “The award means our details are included in a special edition of The London Gazette and we will be presented with a signed certificate from Her Majesty The Queen by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

It also means, by using the QAVS logo, we can hopefully attract significant funding from the large charitable trusts to help us expand our operation.” “I am extremely proud of us receiving this award and thank all those volunteers who work quietly in the background to help us achieve so much, packing at the depot, travelling the length and breadth of Britain collecting equipment, loading containers and giving presentations to voluntary and support organisations.

“Thanks also to the Trustees, past and present, for guiding PhysioNet to where it is today, to our supporters for choosing us as a worthy cause for their donations and to healthcare professionals around the country who find time in their busy lives to make sure their redundant equipment comes to us and not the scrap man.