STAFF AT Specsavers in Colwyn Bay have raised over £2,300 to support young patient, 10-year old Rhea Hamlet-Jolley, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was only discovered following a routine sight test at her local store.
During the sight test, optometrist, Rhian Porter, identified abnormalities that led to a life-saving diagnosis, for which Rhea Hamlet-Jolley is currently undergoing treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
To support Ms Hamlet-Jolley and her family during this challenging time, the Colwyn Bay Specsavers team set up a GoFundMe campaign which, thanks to donations from the local community, raised £1,200.
In addition, the store donated £1 from every sight test carried out in December, adding more than £800 to the total. The team also auctioned off an original piece of art, which was donated to them by local artist and long-standing customer, Christine Mitchell. The piece sold online for £100.
Andrew Deeley, optician director at Specsavers Colwyn Bay, expressed his gratitude to the local community for getting behind their fundraising efforts. He said: ‘We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and it goes to show the collective strength and compassion we have here in Colwyn Bay to help those in need.
‘We are deeply committed to supporting Rhea and her family, and this is just one way we can help during their difficult journey.’
In addition to the financial support, the store ran a toy collection drive during the festive period and donated seven gift hampers to Rhea Hamlet-Jolley and her five siblings.
Rhea Hamlet-Jolley’s father, Anthony Hamlet-Jolley, thanked the team and the community for their support: ‘We cannot thank Specsavers Colwyn Bay enough both for their swift action and ongoing care. We’ve been blown away by the support from the local community and are very grateful to everyone who has got behind us during this challenging time. It means so much to know that so many people care.
‘This experience has shown us the vital importance of regular eye tests. They truly can make all the difference and I’d encourage anyone who has been putting off getting their eyes tested to make an appointment today.’
The funds raised will assist the family with ongoing medical and travel expenses, as Rhea Hamlet-Jolley undergoes further treatment. The community is encouraged to continue supporting by donating to the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rheas-journey
