Felpham opticians raise funds with 293 mile cyclothon
An independent opticians in Felpham raised over £350 in support of Cancer Research UK, with a mission of completing a 293 mile long cycling challenge in practice over the past week.
From 16th – 21st February, the team at Walsh & Bridle Opticians dedicated their week to cycling on an exercise bike at their practice on Felpham Road. In total, the team smashed their target of 293 miles, completing a total of 352 miles, and raised £356.63 in sponsorship and donations towards Cancer Research UK.
The team’s fundraising efforts were dedicated to former owner of Bridle Eyecare, David Bridle, who supported the practice and their team up until his retirement in late 2024, following the joining of Walsh Opticians and Bridle Eyecare.
Before his retirement, David served patients as a Dispensing Optician for over 40 years, becoming highly respected in the optical industry as an examiner for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, a member of the Local Optical Committee and developing the Primary Eyecare Company across areas in the South of England.
As a volunteer at Chichester Bike Project for a number of years and an avid cyclist himself, the team at Walsh & Bridle Opticians felt it was only right to support David in his own fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK with a cycling feat of their own.
The team took turns in racking up the miles in practice, with a spare bike available for patients and passersby should they wish to join in and contribute to the team’s goal.
Practice Manager, Emily Ware, commented on their fundraising efforts, saying: “It was definitely an ambitious challenge for us to complete! However, it was great to see everybody getting stuck in and doing their bit.
“By the last day it felt incredibly rewarding, especially with all the lovely patients we had encouraging us along the way, and we’re really grateful to have raised so much towards such an amazing cause.
“David is a very well-known figure within the community and made a huge impact during his time at the practice, so it meant a lot to the entire team to be able to support him in this.”
To conclude the week, the team at Walsh & Bridle Opticians held a cake sale with any additional donations also going towards the team’s fundraising.