24 May 2019
Optometrist and director of Janet Porter Opticians in Southam, Warwickshire, Michael Murray, completed a 100-mile cycling challenge in support of Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).
Mr Murray took part in the Vélo Birmingham & Midlands race on 12 May and completed the challenge in six and a half hours.
He raised £600 for VAO, which will go towards helping children across Africa access sight tests and spectacles.
Speaking about the challenge, Mr Murray said: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist and, as an optometrist, I want the best for everyone’s eyes, so the chance to marry the two was an obvious opportunity to take.”
“In my line of work and seeing patients every day, you can sometimes take for granted how readily available eye tests can be and the multiple places you can receive that care. So, to be able to raise funds for more people around the world to see better is something that’s very close to my heart,” he added.
The route took Mr Murray past his house around the 75-mile mark, where his family cheered him on with a sign made by his eight-year-old son, Thomas.
“That gave me a real lift when I was getting tired. There was great support around the whole route from members of the public, which really took my mind off the mileage,” he shared.
At Mr Murray’s practice, which is part of the Hakim Group, optical assistant Alison Pollitt created a fundraising display, which included a bike donated by local cycling shop, Rockinghams.
Mr Murray took part in the Vélo Birmingham & Midlands race on 12 May and completed the challenge in six and a half hours.
He raised £600 for VAO, which will go towards helping children across Africa access sight tests and spectacles.
Speaking about the challenge, Mr Murray said: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist and, as an optometrist, I want the best for everyone’s eyes, so the chance to marry the two was an obvious opportunity to take.”
“In my line of work and seeing patients every day, you can sometimes take for granted how readily available eye tests can be and the multiple places you can receive that care. So, to be able to raise funds for more people around the world to see better is something that’s very close to my heart,” he added.
The route took Mr Murray past his house around the 75-mile mark, where his family cheered him on with a sign made by his eight-year-old son, Thomas.
“That gave me a real lift when I was getting tired. There was great support around the whole route from members of the public, which really took my mind off the mileage,” he shared.
At Mr Murray’s practice, which is part of the Hakim Group, optical assistant Alison Pollitt created a fundraising display, which included a bike donated by local cycling shop, Rockinghams.
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