STEPPER 7 turn miles into meaningful eye care for Vision Care

STEPPER 7 turn miles into meaningful eye care for Vision Care

Seven members of the STEPPER UK team have put their best foot forward for Vision Care, completing a 13-mile sponsored walk and raising an impressive £3,259 to support the charity’s work providing eye care for people affected by homelessness.

Penny Akehurst, Simon O’Hara, Chrissie Smith, Liz Shepherd, Harrison Gillick, Daniel Wernham and Ellys Bowen — collectively the STEPPER 7 — took on the challenge as part of STEPPER EYEWEAR’s support for Vision Care.

The team’s fundraising exceeded expectations, with the final total reaching £3,259. The money will help Vision Care deliver eye care to people who can face practical, financial and systemic barriers to accessing the services they need.

That support has already moved from miles walked to care delivered, with funds raised through the STEPPER 7 Challenge contributing towards Vision Care’s mobile vision service clinic in Folkestone, which STEPPER UK team member Chrissie Smith attended to see the charity’s work first-hand.

The activity has particular resonance in Right to Sight Week 5-11 October 2026, Vision Care’s initiative bringing together World Sight Day and World Homeless Day. The campaign aims to make barriers to eye care more visible, encourage practical action and bring the optical and homelessness sectors together to create change.

Vision Care’s ambition is clear: “We envisage a future where no one is denied the right to sight because of their housing status.”

“The walk around Bewl Water was challenging, rewarding and a lot of fun. There were some sore feet by the end, but the sense of achievement was incredible,” commented Penny Akehurst.

“We’re so thankful to everyone who supported us. Thanks to their generosity, we raised far more than we ever expected, reaching an amazing £3,259, and we’re proud to have contributed to such a worthwhile cause.”

Chrissie Smith added: “Having taken part in the walk to raise funds for Vision Care, I was delighted to be able to visit a session and see first-hand how it all works. It’s a fantastic set-up and everyone was incredibly welcoming. I’m very grateful that they allowed me to come along and see the difference this support can make.”

For STEPPER EYEWEAR, supporting the initiative reflects a connection with the fundamental purpose of good eyewear: helping people achieve effective vision correction through eyewear designed around the individual. For more than 50 years, STEPPER EYEWEAR has approached frame design through anatomical fit, comfort and the correct positioning of prescribed lenses before the eyes.

The STEPPER 7 Challenge also demonstrates that support for better access to eye care can take many forms. Vision Care is encouraging the optical sector to volunteer, fundraise, amplify its campaign, support wider change and help make eye care more accessible to everyone.