VISION EXPRESS CELEBRATES 25 YEAR MILESTONE WITH ‘RIDE4SIGHT’ FUNDRAISER & NATIONWIDE CHARITY DRIVE
Vision Express is celebrating 25 years of trading – by bringing together more than 4,000 employees across its 330-strong store network to raise money for its nominated charity the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).
A 176-mile, three-day bike ride will take centre stage, with approximately 40 Vision Express volunteers currently undergoing a strict training regime to prepare them to cycle from the very first store, which opened in Gateshead in 1988, to the retailer’s Nottingham-based head office.
Four-time former Olympic cycling medallist Bryan Steel is helping train the team for the ‘Ride4Sight’ challenge, and will head up the cycle alongside Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson. Paralympian and CHECT patron Darren Harris will also participate, riding on a tandem bike with Bryan Steel.
As well as volunteers based at the Vision Express Nottingham head office, cyclists will include staff from stores in Horsham, Scunthorpe, Salisbury, Buchanan, Hinckley, Farnham, Telford, Basingstoke, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Bude.
Sponsored by adaptive lens-maker Transitions Optical, the ‘Ride4Sight’ will begin from the Vision Express store in the Metro Centre, Gateshead on 11 October and will visit York, Doncaster and West Bridgford stores on the journey south. Family and supporters of the cyclists will join the ride for the final leg across a 2.5 kilometre cycle path, before crossing the finish line at the Vision Express support office in Lenton, Nottinghamshire, on 13 October 2013.
Giving starter’s orders will be a handful of employees who are also celebrating almost 25 years of service to the company, since being part of the store team in Gateshead.
The cycle will be the pinnacle of the retailer’s 25 year celebrations, with stores nationwide marking the milestone with their own charity feats and fundraisers throughout September and early October.
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “We’re extremely proud to be celebrating 25 years of successful trading. This milestone is no mean feat given the recent economic climate and it gives us the opportunity to join with our stores and customers nationwide in a meaningful way – helping to raise money for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, which we’ve supported as our nominated charity since 2010.”
“In addition to ‘Ride4Sight’, our stores are rolling their sleeves up to run their own local events, and we’ve set ourselves a fundraising target in excess of £50,000, which we hope will make a real difference to CHECT.”
Bryan Steel added: "It is an honour to be involved with this ride from Newcastle to my home city Nottingham, with a group of riders who are doing something completely out of their comfort zone to raise money to support young people who have problems with their sight."
CHECT is a charity helping families and individuals affected by a rare form of childhood eye cancer called retinoblastoma. Chief executive Joy Felgate said: “The funds raised through the partnership between Vision Express and the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust during the 25 year celebrations will help ensure that when a parent's worst nightmare is realised and they are told the devastating news that their child has eye cancer, they do not have to face this on their own.
“CHECT provides a comprehensive, life-long support service from the point of diagnosis of the child. We also campaign to raise vital awareness of the signs of the condition and fund ground-breaking research projects that will benefit children in the future. We are extremely grateful for everything Vision Express does to help us educate others about this life-threatening condition and to raise much-needed funds to enable us to continue this vital work.”
Transitions Optical UK Business Director John Schubach said: “We are delighted to support ‘Ride4Sight’ and I am particularly excited about participating in the ride! We have always been very involved in promoting healthy sight, eye protection and wellness. We understand how vital it is to ensure that eyesight is preserved for today and tomorrow.”
To support the Vision Express ‘Ride4Sight’ challenge, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/VisionExpressBikeRide
ENDS
Notes to Editors
*Photo opportunities:
For further information, media can contact:
At The Tonic Communications: Kelly Hill
Office: 01158700461
Mobile: 07954400203
Email:
At Vision Express: Jenny Wye
Senior PR Manager, Vision Express UK & Ireland
Direct line: 0115 988 2438
Blackberry: 0778 998 1628
Email:
At CHECT Julie Firth
Press Officer
0207 377 5578 or 07974 348695
Email:
About Vision Express
1. Vision Express has more than 330 stores nationwide and continues to maintain its position as one of the leading and most trusted opticians in the UK and Ireland.
2. Since its conception in 1989, Vision Express has gone from strength to strength, focusing on customer service in order to provide the best individual optical care and deliver the best service, the right product and great value. Vision Express has a vast range of genuine designer brands and the latest technology lenses, through to complete glasses from £29. Nectar points are also available to collect on every purchase.
3. Vision Express is proud to support The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) a UK wide charity for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma. For more details visit: www.chect.org.uk
About CHECT
1. Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare form of cancer which affects the retina of children, predominantly under the age of six years.
2. Statistically it affects 1:20,000 live births each year. This can also be expressed as between 40 and 50 cases a year or about one child a week in the UK. It represents 3% of childhood cancers in the UK.
3. The signs of Rb include: the appearance of a whitish light bouncing back out of the eye, like a "cat's eye" caught in the light. It is often noticed in photographs where flash photography has been used. One eye will appear red, the other white. (note: there can be other reasons why this reflex occurs but it is ALWAYS best to get it checked out). A squint is sometimes present; the eye can look sore or swollen; there can be a change in the colour of the iris, a deterioration in vision or the absence of red eye in a photograph in one pupil.
4. There are two specialist NHS treatment centres in the UK, The Royal London Hospital and Birmingham Children's Hospital.
5. For more information on the signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma visit www.chect.org.uk
About Transitions Optical
1. Transitions Optical is the world’s leading manufacturer of photochromic eyewear. The company is pioneer in light management and will never stop pushing the boundaries of adaptive technology. Transitions Optical owns over 115 US patents and 330 worldwide registered patents that protect its advanced technology.
2. Transitions lenses go beyond vision correction. They adapt to changing light conditions to enhance how people see the world, Transitions Optical has a product for anyone who wants more than what typical clear lenses can offer. There are options for both everyday wear and for a range of outdoor activities.
3. Transitions lenses are the #1 recommended photochromic lenses worldwide; and more than 96% of wearers are satisfied with the experience.
4. One pair of Transitions lenses is sold every second around the globe.