THE inspirational people making a real difference to those in need this year have been recognised at the Age UK Dignity in Care Awards.

The ceremony held at the Kings Centre in Oxford recognises local individuals, care services and organisations who have gone the extra mile in delivering real dignity in care for people in Oxfordshire.

From a Didcot mother who has fought for carers rights to a Bicester taxi firm offering free journeys for cancer patients, the county’s often unsung carers were celebrated.

In total there were 13 winners with the awards presented by writer Paul Mayhew-Archer and Age UK Oxfordshire trustee Judith Wardle.

The 3 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps based at the Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, received the Inspiration Award for the help and support it provides to unpaid carers in the area.

Sgt Jason Desmond and Lance Corporal James Wilberforce collected the award on behalf of the regiment and said: “It’s just about giving something back. The community has always supported us so it’s nice for the regiment to be able to give something back.”

Bicester Taxi firm, Alpha Cars were another winner of the Inspiration Award after volunteering their service to give free taxi rides to users of the Hummingbird Cancer Centre.

Director Khalid Rahman said: “We are quite overwhelmed really, we weren’t expecting it at all.

“We do it because we can, and because it’s nice to be able to give something back.

“We couldn’t do it without all our drivers, it’s really a big team effort.”

While Didcot mother, Jasmine Davey, was given the special Josie Award, which recognises individuals who have made an ‘exceptional difference’ in care.

Mrs Davey has campaigned for decades to see carers rights improved and recognised, all while looking after her now adult son, Luke, who was born nine weeks premature.

An overwhelmed Mrs Davey said: “It’s a total surprise; I’m absolutely flabbergasted and shocked.

“I’ve been looking after Luke since he was born and I’m lucky that I have a large family to help me. I imagine for carers without that support network life must be very, very hard.”