An Oxfordshire businessman has won a lifetime service award for 45 years of work.

Richard Holland-Oakes, the co-founder and CEO of Long Hanborough-based Recare, a specialist in mobility and rehabilitation equipment, was honoured with the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) Lifetime Service Award.

The BHTA, which represents more than 400 companies in the healthcare and assistive technology industry, recognised Mr Holland-Oakes for his "life-changing support of people with disabilities".

His achievements were celebrated at the BHTA awards dinner at the Birmingham Grand Hotel, where he was chosen over several other shortlisted candidates.

Mr Holland-Oakes said: "I would like to say a big thank you to the BHTA for putting on such a great event last Friday, it was second to none.

"Winning the lifetime service award was mind-blowing as I feel that all the shortlisted finalists deserved to be standing up on the stage with me.

"It is a great honour for my work to be recognised; however, it has been a team effort and I thank all my colleagues, associates, family, and friends who have supported me over the years.

"Only through their dedication and hard work have I been able to enable so many people with disabilities.

"2025 promises even more opportunities to change people's lives and my passion for what I do is now stronger than ever before."

The Lifetime Service Award acknowledges those whose lifelong dedication has made a significant and lasting impact in the healthcare and assistive technology field.

Mr Holland-Oakes was nominated by Kevin J Harney of Harney Global Associates, a former colleague.

In his nomination, Mr Harney said: "Richard's influence and input across the whole mobility sector, ultimately for the benefit of end users, has been significant.

"His passion for change and enhancing disabled people's lives has not wavered for 45 years.

"From 1980, when he made prosthetic legs for the legendary World War Two RAF ace Douglas Bader, through to today's leadership of Recare, Richard's passion continues to shine through.

"If you have ever met Richard, or meet him in the future, you cannot fail to be inspired by his dedication and warm-hearted approach to helping everyone thrive irrespective of their abilities."

Mr Harney also mentioned Mr Holland-Oakes's respect for the professionals he has worked with, his love of motorsport and engineering, and his commitment to passing on his experience and guidance to future generations.

He added: "As Richard is fully aware that he is entering the latter stages of his career, Richard continues to pass on his experience and guidance to future generations - helping to secure a legacy of compassion, understanding, and engineering excellence."