Specsavers colleague soars to success

Tuesday 09 October 2018

Specsavers creative Tom Bradshaw has raised more than £500 after taking to the skies to support people with sight loss.

Mr Bradshaw, who works in the Creative Department at the La Villiaze support office, took the leap on Wednesday 26 September when he skydived out of a plane in a bid to raise money for sight loss charity partners, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

The skydive took place during National Eye Health Week (24-30 September), a time when Specsavers and RNIB ramp up their efforts in raising awareness of the importance of eye tests. This year, which marks the charity’s 150th anniversary, the partnership is specifically urging Britain’s ageing workforce to keep on top of its eye health.

Mr Bradshaw, 38, has raised £505.00 so far thanks to his family, friends and colleagues and is hoping to reach his target of £1,000.

Mr Bradshaw said: "On my stag do in France, in July 2011, my friends had surprised me by organising a skydive. Sadly, it was too windy on the day, and it was cancelled. It's felt like unfinished business ever since, so when the opportunity presented itself to jump out of a plane while raising funds for RNIB, I knew I had to seize it.

"I got to experience this thrill of a lifetime in nigh-on perfect conditions, with clear blue sky, no wind and amazing visibility. And to top it off I got to jump over my beloved Channel Islands with the most amazing view. I saw Jersey like I'd never seen it with great views of Guernsey and France in the distance, and everything in between.

"A big thank you to everyone that sponsored me, helping to raise vital funds to support people with sight loss while also helping to reduce avoidable sight loss. Skydive Jersey were brilliant and the jump itself exceeded all my expectations. Also, a big thank you to my employer Specsavers for helping to make this fundraiser possible."

Mr Bradshaw was among 30 fellow Specsavers colleagues who took the skies across the UK all in aid of RNIB. Jacquie Mancini and Tracie O’Regan, who also work in the La Villiaze support office, will be following in his footsteps and will be carrying out their own skydive in due course.

Specsavers joined forces with RNIB in 2016 to raise awareness of the importance of getting your eyes tested. Experts recommend people should get their eyes checked every two years.

To donate please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/tombradshaw3.

Pictured: Mr Bradshaw during his skydive.