A member of staff at Specsavers, Newton Aycliffe swapped specs for sports last month in support of Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Sam Elwell, merchandiser in the store, ran the London Marathon in the capital city on 28th April on behalf of RNIB. So far, the store has raised over £600 to contribute to Sam’s fund by holding raffles and hosting staff ‘bake-offs’.
Sam says: “I was thrilled to be competing in my first ever marathon and so delighted to have raised so much money for RNIB. I have been training three or four times a week with my sister whilst running with the Aycliffe Running Club. I would like to thank everyone for their very kind donations, including my friends and family and the customers from Specsavers in Newton Aycliffe who have been generously supporting me.”
“The store actively supports RNIB throughout the year, and many of the staff are trained as RNIB ambassadors, and we know the massive difference its work makes in changing people’s lives” said Sam.
Specsavers and RNIB have been working in partnership for the last three years to raise awareness in the importance of eye care. Their research* has revealed that 250 people start losing their sight every day even though at least half of all cases are avoidable. Early intervention is vital in the management and successful treatment of many conditions, with regular eye tests being key. But despite that, one in four people are not having an eye test every two years as recommended.
The store is encouraging people to visit the store and have their glasses cleaned, and donate to the cause.
* YouGov Survey commissioned by Specsavers and RNIB 23rd June -7th July 2017 of 6,430 UK adults aged 18+.
