STAFF members at an Aberdare opticians have completed a 10k run in aid of a local charity.
The Specsavers store, located at 20b Victoria Square, decided to take on the challenge to support Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, raising a total of £718 as a result.
The money raised will help Velindre purchase a proton beam machine. Proton beam therapy is a highly-targeted type of radiotherapy that can treat hard-to-reach cancers, such as spinal tumours, with a lower risk of damaging the surrounding tissue and causing side effects.
Victoria Williams, a 39-year-old optical assistant at Specsavers Aberdare, was diagnosed with iris melanoma, a form of eye cancer, in 2014. At the time, she was working as a dental nurse, but visited her local Specsavers store who referred her to hospital.
Following this, she underwent proton therapy to destroy the tumour but had to travel to Liverpool for the treatment as she could not access it in Wales.
She said: “Having to travel to Liverpool was an added stress for me and my family, at a time where we are already very anxious about my diagnosis. Fortunately, the treatment I received was fantastic, but it would have made my life easier if I could have accessed it locally – now, hopefully with the ongoing fundraising efforts, that will be a reality for others.”
Victoria has worked at Specsavers since November 2021, after switching careers following the excellent care she received from Specsavers which helped identify the cancer.
Victoria added: “I was so grateful for everything they had done for me, and I wanted to be able to help other people who may be facing the same diagnosis I did. People don’t realise that eye tests can save lives.”
“It was a privilege to do the 10k on behalf of Velindre Cancer Centre and I hope that the money raised will be a big help towards getting the proton beam machine as it will help so many people.”
In March, the store will be holding a raffle with donations from local businesses to raise more money for the charity.
Gavin Skyrme, Specsavers Aberdare director, said: “As a store, we’re really passionate about giving back to the community and supporting charities that are very close to our hearts. Velindre provides vital services to those suffering from cancer and we’re pleased to provide them with some much-needed funds to support the important work they do.”
