Team to take on near 500-mile cycle to help those experiencing homelessness

THREE Specsavers colleagues are embarking on a London to Edinburgh charity bike ride to raise funds for people experiencing homelessness.

Richard Curtis, Adrian McCann and John Adams set off from Theydon Bois on Sunday 17 September for the staggering 478-mile journey over a seven-day period.

The trio of amateur cyclists hope their pedal power will help raise £20,000 for homeless charity, Crisis UK. Adrian from Kirkcaldy in Fife says: ‘Many people are facing challenging times, and one vulnerable group in dire need are those without a place to call home.

‘I wanted to do something proactive for a cause that I feel deeply passionate about. Then the spark came to pick a feat that would challenge and push me at the same time. Pedal power won.’

Crisis UK is a national charity for people experiencing homelessness and includes those sleeping on the streets or other individuals awaiting housing while staying with friends. The charity provides invaluable practical support that includes helping people access benefits, healthcare services and employment opportunities.

Richard from Ringwood adds; ‘I am a keen cyclist and relish the freedom it gives me to explore new areas and enjoy nature. Our ride from London to Scotland will be grueling but it certainly ticks all the boxes in terms of what I look for in a bike ride.

‘When the fatigue sets in, keeping those less fortunate than myself front of mind will help me dig deep. It’s an honour to support such an admirable charity.’

John, born in Banbury says: ‘I am relishing the opportunity to achieve this challenge and push myself further than ever before, motivated by the fact we are raising funds for Crisis – such a worthy cause.’

The trio work across different areas in the business at Specsavers. Richard is a service development manager, John is a portfolio development manager and Adrian is optometrist director at Specsavers Leven and Cupar.

John concludes: ‘We have had amazing support from our Specsavers family. As a business, we make it our business to care for people’s eye and hearing health – be it in a store or out on the road with our Home Visits service. Caring for others is in our DNA and it’s nice to extend that care with this fundraising challenge.’

For more information on the fundraiser event and to make a donation, visit justgiving.com/page/thespecsaversteam