Specsavers doff caps to help brain tumour research

Specsavers at 3 The Homend, joined stores nationwide to officially sponsor the charity for the first time and help raise awareness that routine eye tests can detect signs of brain tumours.

John Roberts, store director at Specsavers Ledbury, says: "Many people are unaware that eye tests are not only critical for your eyes, but your wider health too. A routine test allows opticians to detect serious issues that can be both sight and, in some cases, life threatening – including brain tumours.

"We use sophisticated technology to help alert us to more serious health issues. This includes digital retinal photography, which takes a detailed image of the back of the eye – the only part of the body where the circulation of blood can be directly observed. Images can be compared on future visits to keep a watchful eye on a patient’s health."

Wear A Hat Day has raised over £1million since it was launched by the charity Brain Tumour Research nine years ago.

As well as wearing their hats, staff at the store have been inviting customers to sample a selection of sweet treats in return for a donation to help boost the fundraising total.

Mr Roberts added: "This is a fun way to raise awareness of a very serious issue. As a team we’re really looking forward to raising as much money as possible in order to help Brain Tumour Research continue with its invaluable research.

"Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease."

Funds raised on Wear A Hat Day, Thursday March 29, will be used to build a network of experts in world-class, sustainable brain tumour research in Centres of Excellence across the UK.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Ledbury should, pop into Specsavers at 3 The Homend, Ledbury, call 01531 633384 or visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ledbury