'It's not just about hitting a ball' Why this Leeds table tennis club is making a difference

Kirkstall-based table tennis club ParkyPING!, which was founded in 2023 to support people with Parkinson’s disease, is showing no signs of slowing down.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, founder Rob Cook took up table tennis again as exercise is recognised as the best and possibly only way of slowing down the symptoms.

Table tennis is thought to be particularly effective against the symptoms because of its focus on balance, hand-eye coordination and making fast decisions.

The group includes people of all abilities, and everyone gets professional coaching as well as peer support about living with Parkinson’s.

And the unique club has won the Community Sports Project of the Year award at this year’s Compassionate City Awards.

The awards celebrate the positive work people and organisations do to make a difference in their communities, with this year’s ceremony taking place last week at Leeds Civic Hall.

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.”

Receiving the award for Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year was Doodle Chat, a relaxed social group for doodling and chatting with all materials provided, created by local artist Ed Thompson.

Started in 2022, Ed brings in people from all walks of life to show how creativity can support wellbeing and build connection with others. The inclusive groups bring together a diverse mix of people with attendees saying it has reduced social isolation and improved their wellbeing.

The initiative has kept growing since its start and now runs at three locations in Armley, Harehills and Hyde Park.

Ed said: “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.”

Coun 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.”

Full list of winners:

Jo Cox Award: We Are Seacroft

Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year: Shaheen Alghofari

Community Sports Project of the Year: Leeds ParkyPING!

Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year: Doodle Chat

Diversity Project of the Year: Conversation Club

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

Unsung Hero of the Year: Chrissy Thornton

Special Recognition Award 2025: Kevin Sinfield CBE