Optician sponsors hockey player

JPCT 191214 S14510366x Vision Express manager (left) and dispencing optician (right) with Sue Crake of Horsham Hockey -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141219-114549001

Sue Crake, 55, started playing hockey 30 years ago and she was mostly recently called up to represent England in the Over 55s ladies team after a successful stint in the Over 50s squad.

She was thrilled the Horsham Vision Express store, in West Street, was backing her sport in this way.

The company was already supporting the Horsham Hockey Club as a shirt sponsor in a three-year deal, but she said this was the first year a player had been sponsored for contact lenses.

She said: “Playing for England is fantastic, but many aspects of preparation are self-funded, so it’s so valuable to have my vision care needs in safe hands.

“My thanks go to Vision Express for their backing as I embark an important step in my hockey career.”

Maire Bowers, store partner at Vision Express Horsham, explained that vision was crucial for sports players and that they were pleased to ensure Sue’s sight was looked after.

She said: “Sue is now receiving top of the range, complimentary contact lenses, that include a UV barrier for protection against harmful rays, which means she can see exactly what is happening on the field, and we’ll be cheering her on as she represents the country.”

Emma Beckford, store manager for Vision Express in Horsham, added: “We have supported the hockey club before and we thought it would be a nice idea to give someone at the club the lenses.”

Sue began her hockey career playing for the mixed team at the Holbrook Club where she found she really enjoyed playing and wanted to play for the ladies team.

From there, she joined Horsham Hockey Club, which is now also sponsored by the town’s Vision Express.

Playing for England has seen her travel as far as Australia to compete, which she did in July 2010.

Sue is one of 25 players selected for the 2014 ladies Over 55s England squad. She is currently training for the European Championships being held in August 2015 in London and the World Championships in Australia in April 2016.

Vision Express offers an eye test to best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists, with each Vision Express optometrist being a qualified eye health professional.

To book an eye test visit www.visionexpress.com/opticians