Spectacular effort for Oscar Knox Appeal

Newtownabbey Store Director Siobhan McGoldrick has been following little Oscar’s story closely for the past few months and was so moved by the appeal that she wanted to help.

Siobhan was recently approached by Terry and Oliver Knox who suggested Specsavers get involved in their charity golf event at Fortwilliam Golf Club on Sunday, October 14. Terry and Oliver asked Specsavers Abbeycentre to sponsor a hole at the event, but instead, Siobhan rallied round all of the stores and managed to raise enough money to sponsor the entire event.

Oscar has been fighting neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, since shortly after his third birthday.

Earlier this month the Glengormley boy’s family flew him to the USA for specialist treatment to help stimulate his immune system, however medics soon realised that immunotherapy isn’t an option for Oscar. He remains in hospital in Philadelphia where he has undergone treatment for heart and lung problems. His parents are hoping that his condition will stabilise so that he can be flown back to the UK.

More than £250,000 has already been raised for Oscar’s appeal, but money is still being raised to help pay for his current treatment and any he may require in the future.

Specsavers Chairman, Tony McGinn, was touched by Oscar’s story and knew he could rely on all Specsavers staff to get behind the worthy cause.

“When Siobhan approached me about sponsoring the golf event I knew that it would be a super way to help raise some additional, much needed money for Oscar. His story is so touching, and could happen to any young person within the community.

“It is wonderful to see so many people both in the local community and further afield getting involved in this worthy cause,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Newtownabbey Specsavers is hosting a family fun day next weekend to help raise vital funds for the Guide Dogs charity.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 3 from 11am - 4pm in the Abbeycentre store.

“We are honoured and excited to be involved with Guide Dogs and we are looking forward to involving customers and the local community in our fundraising efforts,” Mr McGinn added.

The charity has been expertly breeding and training guide dogs for more than 75 years, providing thousands of dogs to blind and partially-sighted people of all ages and from all walks of life.