A Specsavers husband-and-wife team will be hot-footing it around the Torbay Half Marathon in memory of friends and loved ones who have lost their lives to cancer.
Simon and Cassie Simmonds both work at the Torquay Specsavers store and have already raised £2,290 this year for cancer charities.
They are aiming to collect as much cash as possible in aid of Cancer Research UK during the Torbay Half Marathon on 23 June, having seen first-hand how the disease affects people.
Simon, the store’s ophthalmic director, says: ‘This is in memory of Joy, our previous retail director, and my late wife Sophie, as well as for the other people we know whose lives have been affected or cut short by cancer.
‘On a personal level, I have rebuilt my life and met Cassie through work, and she is now my new wife. Together we are running in this year’s event for such an important cause.’
The Torquay store’s staff have been raising funds to help cancer research for four years, collecting more than £17,000.
Cassie, assistant manager and dispensing optician at the Torquay store, says: ‘Together with the rest of the team and our generous customers, we have raised a phenomenal amount of money in a relatively short time.
‘This is very important to us because most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. It is a terrible disease and we want to do what we can to help charities such as Cancer Research UK to find a cure.’
As well as the Torbay Half Marathon, Simon will be taking part in the 100-mile Ride London 100 on 4 August, finishing outside Buckingham Palace.
Simon adds: ‘The bike ride is a huge event, with 30,000 riders involved. I’m really looking forward to it – although the date does clash with Cassie and my first wedding anniversary.
‘But she’s keen for me to take part and raise lots of money. She’ll be cheering me on because the charity is close to both our hearts.’
The Torquay store is at 79-81 Union Street, while the Willows store is situated behind the check-outs at Sainsbury’s. Alternatively, call 01803 213833.
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