A technology whizz from Cambridgeshire who has encouraged over 90% of his local community to support a campaign to secure superfast broadband for Spaldwick is the winner of a new volunteering award, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.

Dr Mark Heath, a broadband champion from Spaldwick, is a passionate supporter of the benefits of superfast broadband and has been involved with the Connecting Cambridgeshire superfast broadband programme since its launch in May 2012.

Mark spotted that in particular older people in his community needed support. He has been helping them to understand the benefits of getting connected, including visiting the Spaldwick Welcome Club, a social group for over 55 year olds. So far Mark has helped over 50 people to get the most out of the internet, and his enthusiasm for the benefits of new technology has made it easier for the people to access vital services and keep in touch with the digital world.

Mark is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Mark also gives up his own time to run the Spaldwick Village website, a community hub, which contains advice on solving internet connection problems and tips for residents to get online. This has led to take-up of more than 40% of households upgrading to superfast broadband within weeks of the launch in his area.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Mark is a great volunteer whose workshops have enabled more people in Spaldwick to get up to speed with the internet. With more than 40% of households in the village already connected to the new superfast broadband network that the Government and Connecting Cambridgeshire is rolling out, Spaldwick is one of the best connected communities in the UK and much of this is down to all the hard work put in by Mark.

“Superfast broadband is helping small communities to thrive and I am delighted to award Mark with a Point of Light today.”

Mark is the 122nd winner of the new Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush, Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.

Mark said:

“Broadband champions across the country are spending a lot of their time helping their communities to get online and stimulate the demand for superfast broadband. I hope that this award encourages others to take on the fulfilling role of broadband champion.”

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said:

“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the incredible contribution Mark has made, and continues to make, through his volunteering work in Spaldwick. It is only fitting that his work in helping older members of the community develop their computer skills, and on the creation of the village website, is commended in this way.”

Shailesh Vara, Mark’s local MP said:

“I am delighted that Mark Heath has won a prestigious Points of Light award.

It is important that all members of society are able to enjoy the benefits of modern technology and Mark’s commitment to helping his local community, especially the elderly, has rightly been recognised.

Mark’s effort is making a real difference to people’s lives and his award is well deserved.”

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates said:

“Congratulations to Mark on receiving this award which is richly deserved. Mark has been a stalwart supporter of our Connecting Cambridgeshire superfast broadband programme from the start and his achievements in Spaldwick show the important role our broadband champions play in helping their communities to get connected.”