Leightons staff pedal for charity

A group of employees at Leightons Opticians have completed a 137km cycle challenge to raise funds for charity.

The trio cycled from Leightons’ Poole practice, making stops at the independent’s Totton, Stag Gates, Chandlers Ford, Winchester and Andover branches, before cross the finishing line.

The challenge was established by dispensing optician Stephen Wordley, who was inspired to raise funds for RP Fighting Blindness, a charity which funds research into the inherited condition, which can cause reduced vision, because the condition is in his family.

Engagement Manager at RP Fighting Blindness, Sue Drew, said: “We are always delighted to hear about community fundraisers such as Stephen, Mark and Connor. We couldn’t function as a patient organisation and help fund cutting edge research without them. Every penny they raise is valued, and we thank them sincerely for their support.” 

CEO for Leightons Opticians, Ryan Leighton, added: “Clearly retinitis pigmentosa is a very serious condition and one that is close to Steve's heart, and RP Fighting Blindness should be congratulated for its great work in research and ongoing patient support. Naturally, we are very proud of the team – Steve, Janos, Connor and Mark in their efforts. 137 kilometres on our British roads was a tough old slog, but also our branch teams were amazingly supportive and really did a great job raising awareness and money as well.”