Opticians’ epic charity challenge to walk equivalent of 10 iconic mountains

A team from a Kettering opticians’ practice stepped out in support of a charity helping young people to thrive by walking the equivalent distance of climbing and descending the world’s 10 most famous mountains.

The trio from independent practice Davis Optometrists raised more than £900 by walking and running 88.6km for the High Performance Foundation, a charity which helps young people build crucial life skills.

Co-founded by broadcaster Jake Humphrey, the charity provides schools with free, high-impact resources featuring the stories of celebrity role models, to inspire young people and help them develop the mental strength needed to thrive both in school and in life.

Figures from the High Performance Foundation show that across the UK, one in five young people are living with a probable mental health disorder, while 350,000 say they are unhappy with their lives.

The team from Davis Optometrists completed the 88.6km challenge individually, both outside of work and during lunch breaks.

Branch manager William Viner took advantage of the county’s abundance of country parks, taking his two young daughters out in their buggy, while optical assistant Charlotte Rendell used the challenge as an extra opportunity to train for a half marathon she is taking part in this year. 

The Crispin Place practice has also held an in-branch fundraising event for patients, including a competition to win a pair of Evil Eye sunglasses and a Tom Ford candle.

William said: “Involving our patients has not only boosted our fundraising efforts but it raised awareness of the High Performance Foundation and the work the charity does. The challenge has been quite the talking point with patients, who have been keen to hear how we got on, which also helped to motivate us. 

“We’re delighted with how much we raised as a team – we surpassed our initial target so we’d like to thank all those who supported us. It is for a worthy cause as we’re hearing how more and more young people are struggling with their mental health.”

Jake Humphrey, best known for hosting BBC Sport’s coverage of Formula One and fronting BT Sport’s football coverage, thanked the team for supporting the High Performance Foundation, saying: “You are, quite simply, helping to change young people’s lives.”

For more details about Davis Opticians visit https://www.davisopticians.co.uk