Local staffmember takespart in cycle

Amongst them was Una McGrade, a staff member at Boots Opticians in the Crescent Link Retail Park.

She was amongst 18 cyclists - including a tandem with a sighted ‘pilot’ on the front and blind/ partially sighted ‘stoker’ on the back - who took part in the very challenging cycle to raise money for the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB) on May 13.

There were joined by 16 walkers who also took part in a 10 mile walk from Carnmoney to Belfast city centre.

Representatives from the five Boots Opticians’ stores in Northern Ireland - Crescent Link, Belfast, Ballymena, Newtownabbey and Forestside - all took part to help raise funds to support the RNIB and the great work that they do.

According to Una: “Regular eye checks are an important part of healthy living helping you to protect your vision and care for your health.

“52,000 people experience serious sight loss in Northern Ireland. RNIB NI provides emotional and practical support to help people find their lives again.”

This summer RNIB NI will run week-long residential activity breaks in Fermanagh for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged 12-18.

These residentials give children and young people experiential learning opportunities through challenging outdoor activities such as cycling, watersports, wall climbing and orienteering and help to boost confidence and develop independence for the young people who take part.

As a result of Una and her colleagues’ fundraising efforts Boots Opticians have sofat raised £4380 and counting for the RNIB.

Any donations are appreciated. To support please visit. https://www.justgiving.com/RNIB. You can also contact your local Boots Opticians store, Crescent Link on 02871341487.