Specsavers practice partners join Thames Path Ultra Challenge in memory of colleague

The group of 10 Specsavers colleagues raised more than £5800 in memory of Specsavers Wimbledon and Morden optometrist director Richard Sandiford

2 min read

Ten people pose together at the finish line of the Thames Path Ultra Challenge, wearing medals and holding a sign marked “28KM”, beneath a large “FINISHER” banner. Several wear Specsavers-branded clothing, with a red event tent and trees in the background

Specsavers Walton-on-Thames

Lucy Miller

14 October 2026

Specsavers colleagues from South West London and Surrey took part in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge on Saturday 12 December, raising £5814 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Practice partners from Specsavers stores in Walton-on-Thames, Kingston-upon -Thames, Surbiton, Wallington, Twickenham, Wimbledon, Richmond, Putney and Wandsworth took part in the challenge in honour of colleague Richard Sandiford, who was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a year ago.

The partners took on the 28km section of the Thames Path Ultra Challenge, which started at Putney Bridge in South West London and finished at Hurst Park in West Molesey, Surrey.

Mital Patel, Specsavers Walton-on-Thames ophthalmic director, said: “We decided to join our South West London Specsavers colleagues to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of a dear colleague, Richard, who touched the lives of so many of us.

“Cancer affects many people, be that a family member, a friend, or [a] colleague, so we wanted to raise funds to support the incredible work the charity does whilst honouring the memory of our colleague.”

Sandiford was optometrist director at Specsavers Wimbledon and Morden for 30 years.

Specsavers Walton-on-Thames colleagues, dispensing director Ritu Daga and former retail director Conor MacCarthy, joined Patel and seven South West London colleagues in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge.

The fundraiser was organised by Amber Rachyal-Bowler, retail director at Specsavers Wallington.

The Thames Path Ultra Challenge has 28km, 50km and 75km legs, with the 75km leg ending at Henley on Thames. The route takes in the Old Deer Park in Richmond Park, Runnymede Pleasure Ground, Windsor, and Eton College.

More than 3000 participants took part in the 2026 event, which took place on 12 and 13 September.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity funds cancer research and provides support for those going through treatment. The charity supports the Royal Marsden Hospital, a leading cancer centre.

The Specsavers fundraiser can be viewed on JustGiving.

Lead image, left to right: Ritu Daga and Mital Patel from Specsavers Walton-on-Thames; Paul Bhalla, Specsavers Kingston upon Thames and Specsavers Surbiton optometrist director; Chris Reid, Specsavers regional relationship manager for London South West; Jayesh Solankey, Specsavers Richmond and Specsavers Twickenham ophthalmic director; Amber Rachyal-Bowler, Specsavers Wallington retail director; Valpreet Chana, Specsavers Putney optical director; Lee Penfold, Specsavers Richmond and Specsavers Twickenham retail director; Raj Patel, Specsavers Wandsworth optometrist director, and Karolina Ruprik, Specsavers Wimbledon audiology director.