RUGBY LEGEND, Sir Gareth Edwards, had his sights set on helping Specsavers in Porthcawl to officially launch its new look store this week [Monday 27 January], following a £50,000 refurbishment.
The former Wales international was on hand to cut the ribbon and unveil the store’s upgraded facilities, as part of a launch event to mark the completion of the first phase in the store’s modernisation programme.
The refurbishment includes the addition of upgraded store displays to create a brighter and more welcoming environment for customers. It complements the new test room, which was added just last year, to accommodate the growing demand for eye care services in the area, taking the store from three to four test rooms.
Spearheaded by partners Louise Whiffin and Claire Edwards’, the redevelopment programme has been driven to provide the highest quality environment for eye care services, with more development plans afoot by the end of 2025.
Louise Whiffin, retail director at Specsavers Porthcawl, says: ‘We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our newly refurbished store and to welcome Sir Gareth Edwards, who is an inspiration to so many.
‘We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming, modern space that reflects the level of care and expertise that our customers expect. We can’t wait to show people around.’
The Specsavers Porthcawl team is aiming to raise £1,000 for the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity this year – a charity which provides financial support to 15 to 35 year olds in Wales who are struggling to pay costs caused by cancer.
The team plans to continue their fundraising efforts for the charity by selling Gareth’s signature charity sideburns and running a Valentine’s Day themed raffle in-store.
‘Our team is also incredibly proud to support the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity, which does exceptional work with young people who are suffering from cancer. Since the charity was established in 2023, it has already given £90,000 to young people, which is just amazing.
‘Giving back to the local community and making a difference is at the heart of everything we do here in Porthcawl and it’s great to support such a well deserving cause.’
Sir Gareth Edwards adds: ‘It’s fantastic to see local businesses like Specsavers investing in the community and supporting a cause that’s so close to my heart. The funds raised by the team will make a real difference to young people suffering from cancer in Wales, who shouldn’t have to worry about money when they have so much on their plate already.’
Joining Sir Gareth Edwards to mark the opening of the newly refurbished store was local face painter, Evie Denatale. Ms Denatale’s mother survived a brain tumour and, after having lived through her mother’s treatment, Evie Denatale was able to meet her idol, Sir Gareth Edwards, and help raise money for his charity by doing face painting at the launch. Cakes were supplied by Lilac Cottage Cakery.
