Staff at Specsavers, located at 43 High Street, have undertaken a week of fundraising in-store to support the efforts of Ed Graham and Tom Unwin. The pair are competing in the Marathon Des Sables, a challenging 156-mile race over six days across the Sahara.

The store hosted a whole week of activities including a raffle, a cake sale, a colouring competition and a donation of £1 for every sight test during the week. The week culminated when staff came to work dressed in red, symbolising the colour of the charity, and also donated money for the privilege of coming in non-uniform.

Lee Johnston, store director of Specsavers in Alton, says: ‘The task that Mr Graham and Mr Unwin have undertaken is hugely inspiring and we’re delighted to support them. Mencap is a charity that is very close to our hearts so the decision to help them raise funds was an easy one for us. As a store we’re dedicated to giving back to the local community and are more than happy to help in any way we can.’

Mr Graham says: ‘I’d like to thank Specsavers in Alton for all their hard work in helping us to raise the money. Before the run, we had set ourselves a target of £20,000 so the £380 donated by Specsavers and its customers was greatly appreciated.’