An Aberdeen optician is undergoing gruelling training ahead of a 500-mile cycle from Theydon Bois, Essex to Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to raise vital funds for homeless charity Crisis UK.
David McGinty, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Aberdeen is participating in the Crisis annual seven-day challenge from September 2 to 9.
David will be joined by a further two Specsavers directors, Adrian McCann from the Leven store and Lee Penfold from the Richmond store, London, as well as Crisis’ chief executive officer, Matt Downie and a wider group of Crisis supporters.
The trio of Specsavers partners are aiming to raise £7,500 for the national charity with the funds going directly to the Crisis flagship Skylight centres in both Edinburgh and London.
The Skylight centres offer life-changing, tailored support to people facing or experiencing homelessness. In June this year, a new free eye care clinic opened in Edinburgh’s Skylight Centre, run by Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP).
David McGinty
Located on the Wellness Floor, the eye care clinic was funded by Specsavers thanks to a £50,000 donation, and provides a bespoke clinic as well as additional rooms which enables Crisis to broaden the health services it provides.
David, ophthalmic director, says: ‘The little bit of suffering to be endured on the cycle really is pittance when compared to what people suffer when enduring homelessness. The hope is to bring the issue to colleagues and customers across the country to show what we can do when we come together.
Our store has been doing out-of-hour clinics for those experiencing homelessness for a few years now and we are thrilled to see the idea has been picked up by other stores across the UK. It is a very humbling experience, but seeing how local groups and businesses come together to help is what gives us hope for change.
There are over 900 Specsavers stores across the UK behind us, and we are all calling for the eligibility for free eye tests and glasses to be extended to include people experiencing homelessness.’
The Specsavers trio will be joined by a small group for the seven-day cycle, covering 500 miles and collectively aiming to raise £200,000 to help end homelessness.
Specsavers Aberdeen is located at 56-58 Union Street, AB10 1BB, and can be contacted directly on 01224 641234.
To donate to the cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/londontoedinburgh2024.