AN OPTICIAN swapped her eye charts for running shoes in a bid to raise funds for charity.
Simone Mason has not only completed a 10k run around Brueton Park but learnt how to be a guide runner for the visually impaired.
Simone, who practices at Perspective Designer Opticians in Solihull, has raised £400 for Fight for Sight UK which funds research in a bid to prevent sight loss.
She wanted to raise awareness of the importance of having a regular sight test and inspire people to make healthier lifestyle choices that benefit their eye health on World Sight Day, October 11.
Simone, who is also a member of the Solihull local optical committee, said: “Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know the best way to look after our eyes.
“I am fundraising for fight for sight because they need funds to research to prevent sight loss. The pioneering work they do is vital.”
As part of her fundraising efforts Simone learnt how to be a guide runner for the visually impaired with her two volunteers Oliver Boot and Bhupendra Patel.
She took the pair on a five-km course around Brueton Park.
She finished the course with Oliver in 57minutes and in 37:56minutes with Bhupendra.
Simone said: “This learning is inspiring, everyone was so encouraging as we ran around the course. It makes you realise how precious our sight is and we need to look after our eyes and our health.”
For more or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simone-mason
