A THOUSAND thanks – in fact, make that 16,000 thanks!

Over the last two months, your wonderful support in recycling unloved clothes, shoes and textiles in Ark's 59-branded recycling banks in and around Basingstoke has added up to a £16,000 boost to the charity.

WE KNOW it's a few months away but Ark Cancer Centre Charity is hoping supporters will make a pledge in the next few weeks to support a Christmas campaign that could make a big difference.

This year, Ark is applying to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest online match-funding campaign - and we need YOUR help to make it a success.

HE WANTS to shed pounds off himself and gain pounds for Ark Cancer Centre Charity through sponsorship support - and Jon Mills is going great guns.

Jon, who is managing director of Black and White Chartered Certified Accountants, based at Herriard, has lost an awesome 2st 4lbs in just three weeks - and he has also passed the 50 per cent milestone on the way to his fundraising target.

The 34-year-old dad is aiming to lose four stone in three months and wants to raise at least £500 - so he is well on his way to achieving both goals.

ARK Cancer Centre Charity supporters were among the winners at the 2020 A Place to be Proud of Awards.

The awards were held virtually for the first time in their 17-year history, with celebrations taking place from the living rooms of the nominees and winners instead of in the Haymarket theatre.

In all, nine awards were given out to people and organisations that have made a difference to the town and borough - and a further eight winners were recognised for their outstanding contribution to Basingstoke's COVID-19 response.