Ripon opticians walk 49 miles in under 24hrs - raising thousands for charity

Taking place last month, the ramblers completed the trail in 23.5 hours, raising £1,400 for Cancer Research UK and £1,023 for Vision Care for Homeless People.

They took on the challenge after a member’s mum passed away after being diagnosed with cancer, wanting to raise donations for the important work Cancer Research UK provides.

Vision Care for Homeless People is also close to the heart of Ripon Specsavers, with the team firm believers that everyone should have access to eyecare.

Especially, since recent research shows that 80 per cent of homeless people need glasses to see properly, which helps them to look for work, find accommodation – and keep themselves safe.

Throughout the route, they were supported by friends, family and Frank (the Specsavers Cockapoo) who provided them with much-needed encouragement to push through.

As they approached the Ripon store on Market Square they were welcomed with clapping and cheering from colleagues and customers, where they were awarded the official Ripon Rowel award, which marked the end of their challenge.

Alison Lee, manager and dispensing optician at Specsavers Ripon, comments: ‘It was an incredible 24 hours and undeniably challenging – blisters and shin splints made the last few miles feel like forever. However, we did it, and I’m unbelievably proud of the whole team, whose determination and spirit got us all to the finish line – our store.

‘I can’t believe we managed to double our initial target of £500 per charity. It’s an incredible achievement and knowing it’s going towards vital work to help others is a wonderful feeling. I’m sure my mum, whose memory I was walking on behalf of for Cancer Research UK, would’ve been delighted with what we accomplished this weekend.

‘We’re so grateful to everyone in the community who supported us through donations, words of encouragement, and those who walked with us in solidarity for the final 14 miles – and especially Katherine’s dad who greeted us with a much-needed cuppa at the Druid’s Temple.”

If you’d like to show your support to the team at Ripon Specsavers, donations are still welcomed via the link to their Just Giving page, here: www.justgiving.com/team/specsavers-ripon

For more details on the full range of eye health and hearing care services, including OCT scans available at Specsavers Ripon, head to: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ripon or call on: 01765 694777