HUSBAND & WIFE DUO AWARDED BEM IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

Aldermore Reading Rockets founders Gary and Helen Johnson’s tireless efforts to make basketball accessible and available in Berkshire have earned them the highest of honours.

The husband and wife duo behind the Rockets received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services towards basketball and charity today in the King’s New Year’s honours list.

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: "This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. 

 "Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today." 

Having met in South Wales and married in 1968, Gary and Helen moved to Reading in 1975 and, through their son Matt’s vision, set up the Reading Rockets in 1997 to serve the community and put basketball on the map in their area.

From there, the Johnson family has been at the forefront of basketball operations in Reading and across Berkshire.

And 28 years later, the programme that Gary and Helen built has gone from strength to strength.

“It keeps us active and young,” Gary said. “However, this is a memorable moment for us, and it is a real privilege.”

Today, the Aldermore Reading Rockets has more than 1000 aspiring young basketball players taking part in weekly junior SEN sessions, boasts 14 national league teams, three wheelchair teams, a women’s side that plays in Basketball England’s WNBL Division 2, and the professional British Championship Basketball men’s team.