Opticians focus on fundraising

L to R: Rohman Ali, Kimberley Etchells, and Krupal Sheth

Two branches of Specsavers opticians have kicked off their fundraising initiative with a £2,700 donation to Springhill Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Specsavers in Middleton Shopping Centre and Sainsbury’s on Heaton Park Road have pledged to support the two local causes during April and July and have already raised more than 50 per cent of their ambition £5,000 target.

The first leg of the fundraising initiative saw Christopher McNally, the partner of Specsavers store director Kimberley Etchells, complete the Manchester Marathon and in July he will be tackling XTERRA Snowdonia Marathon, one of the UK’s most challenging trail runs, all in a bid to raise more cash for the two local causes.

Kimberley, who is director of both stores, said: “Christopher and I, plus members of the Specsavers team, have experienced first-hand the incredible care and support both charities offer. Springhill Hospice cared for my late father and Macmillan nurses are currently supporting Christopher’s father.

“As a collective team, we all felt strongly about championing causes that have in the past and are currently playing a vital part in helping our loved ones. Christopher has taken it to another level with his marathon running and we’re all incredibly proud of his commitment and dedication, especially during his long, solitary training runs.”

Based in Rochdale, Springhill Hospice provides the highest standard of care for patients in need of palliative care, in-patient, day hospice, and outpatient services, whilst Macmillan Cancer Support provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.