A pioneering table tennis club for people living with Parkinson’s disease has been named one of the winners at this year’s Compassionate City Awards.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to improve life in their communities, with this year’s ceremony held last week at Leeds Civic Hall. Kirkstall-based club ParkyPING!, founded in 2023, was honoured with the Community Sports Project of the Year award.
Its founder, Rob Cook, returned to table tennis after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, turning to the sport after learning that regular exercise is widely regarded as one of the best and possibly only ways to help slow the progression of symptoms.
Table tennis is believed to be especially beneficial for managing symptoms, thanks to its emphasis on balance, hand-eye coordination and quick decision-making. The group welcomes players of all abilities, offering professional coaching for everyone, along with valuable peer support on living with Parkinson’s.
Kirkstall-based table tennis club ParkyPING! founder Rob Cook said:
“It’s amazing to win this award and it really means a lot to us. It’s not just about hitting the ball around the table, it’s about growing community and peer support, and helping each other.
“Table tennis is such a brilliant way of helping with Parkinson’s.”
Doodle Chat, a relaxed social group where people can doodle and chat with all materials provided, has been named Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year. The project was created by local artist Ed Thompson.
Launched in 2022, Doodle Chat brings together people from all walks of life, using creativity to boost wellbeing and help people connect with others. The inclusive sessions attract a diverse mix of participants, with many saying the group has helped reduce feelings of isolation and improved their mental health. Since starting, the initiative has continued to grow and now runs at three locations: Armley, Harehills and Hyde Park.
Local artist Ed Thompson commented:
“We’ve been working really hard the last couple of years to make art and creative wellbeing accessible and available to different communities across Leeds and to anybody that needs a safe space to come, talk, listen and make friends with new people.
“I’m super happy that that has been recognised with this award.”
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety said:
“As always, these awards demonstrate and celebrate the outstanding work that the people of Leeds do every day for their communities.
“We are truly grateful for the hard work of these unsung heroes and it’s vital that we continue celebrating them and their efforts in making Leeds the best city to live in. A big congratulations to all the winners and highly commended!”
Full list of winners from this year’s Compassionate City Awards:
Environmental Achievement of the Year: Mafwa Theatre – Lincoln Greeners Project
Fundraising Achievement of the Year: The Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield
Community Organisation or Project of the Year: LS14 Trust
Community Sports Project of the Year: Leeds ParkyPING!
Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year: Doodle Chat
Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year: Shaheen Alghofari
Special Recognition Award 2025: Kevin Sinfield CBE
Diversity Project of the Year: Conversation Club
Unsung Hero of the Year: Chrissy Thornton
Jo Cox Award: We Are Seacroft
Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s Compassionate City Awards – from the inspiring winners to all those shortlisted and nominated. Your compassion, creativity and commitment to others are what truly bring our city to life. Whether you’ve supported neighbours, built welcoming spaces, championed health and wellbeing, or used sport and art to bring people together, your efforts are noticed and deeply appreciated.
Thank you for the kindness you show every day, often quietly and without fanfare. Together, you’re helping to create a more caring, connected and hopeful city for us all and that is something really worth celebrating.
