Opticians campaign for cancer care (From South Wales Argus)

Opticians campaign for cancer care

11:00am Saturday 1st September 2012 in Gwent news

OPTICIANS in Gwent have launched a campaign to raise £5,000 for Velindre Cancer Care, a charity which provides support and treatment to people dealing with cancer in Wales.

Specsavers in Newport High Street, Spytty Road, Cwmbran and Pontypool have joined Specsavers stores across Wales to raise money for Velindre, hosting a series of fundraising events including a charity dinner at the Vale Resort on September 25.

The dinner will be hosted by international rugby referee Nigel Owens and will feature a charity auction of rugby memorabilia.

Velindre Cancer Centre is the largest non-surgical cancer hospital in Wales, providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other treatments for over half of the people diagnosed with cancer in Wales. On average, Velindre Cancer Centre provides care, treatment and support to over 130,000 out patients and day cases every year.

Andrew Bowers, director of Specsavers Spytty Road, said: "Unfortunately, it's a sad fact that many of us, at some point in our life, are affected by cancer. Velindre is a fantastic charity which does a tremendous job in providing cancer care and support to people across Wales. We were delighted to support them by launching this fundraising initiative."

The evening will also serve as a farewell to Specsavers Newport, Cwmbran and Pontypool director, Leighton Griffiths, who is retiring after 20 years in the business.