10,000km Challenge Aims to Change Life With Sight Loss

A team of opticians is taking on a 10,000km challenge to raise awareness and funds for people living with sight loss across Devon and Cornwall.

Staff at Huxter and Davy Opticians, which has branches in Padstow, Looe, Torpoint and Kingsbridge, are collectively running, walking and cycling the distance to represent the 10,000 people registered with sight loss in the two counties.

The challenge is being completed in the team’s own free time and runs through to the end of 2026. To stay on track, the group needs to cover 27.4km every day.

Supporting sight loss charities in Devon and Cornwall

The challenge is raising money for two charities, iSightCornwall and Devon in Sight, which provide support for people who are blind or partially sighted.

Optician Tom Mannering said the motivation behind the challenge was both personal and community focused.

“The reason for this challenge is twofold, firstly we have such an incredible patient base who’ve come back to see us these past few years and looked after us, so we wanted to give something back to our local communities.

And secondly we’ve partnered up with two fantastic charities, Devon in Sight and iSightCornwall – the two dedicated sight loss charities for Devon and Cornwall – and we want to raise as much money as we can for these wonderful charities this year.”

📷Tom Mannering & his bike

What iSightCornwall does

Now in its 170th year, iSightCornwall supports people across Cornwall to ensure nobody faces sight loss alone. The charity offers practical and emotional support, including social clubs, a volunteer Walking Buddy scheme, help to stay in work or education, support with technology and devices, and access to magnification and low vision aids.

Chief Executive Carole Theobald said:

“We’re so grateful to have been chosen to benefit from this incredible challenge! As Cornwall’s only sight loss charity we rely on the support of local businesses, communities and individuals to be able to continue helping people with sight loss live life without limitations, so I want to say a huge thank you and good luck to the Huxter and Davy team, we’ll be cheering you on the whole way!”

How Devon in Sight helps

Devon in Sight provides award-winning services for people who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends and carers. This includes information and guidance through a free helpline, independent living support, health and wellbeing advice, and work to help make Devon a sight loss friendly county.

Chief Executive Officer Grahame Flynn said:

“We would like to send our sincere gratitude to all the team at Huxter and Davy Opticians for choosing Devon in Sight to benefit from this amazing challenge, and wish them all the very best with their endeavours. Sight loss can have a huge impact on a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks as well as a significant effect on their emotional wellbeing. As a small local charity, we rely on donations and the activities of fantastic fundraisers to be able to operate. Good luck to everyone taking part in the challenge!”

Turning kilometres into kindness

Dispensing optician and company director Charlotte Davy said the challenge reflects the values of the business.

“At Huxter and Davy we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care and customer service to our patients. We work very hard every day to support patients with their visual needs and it will be a privilege to raise money for our local charities supporting those with sight loss.

Every step, pedal, and stride will be a tribute to the 10,000 people registered as living with sight loss in Devon and Cornwall as well as a push towards better support, awareness, and accessibility. Please join us as we turn kilometres into kindness, and movement into meaningful change.”

Anyone who would like to support the challenge can donate via the JustGiving pages for
Huxter and Davy 1 or
Huxter and Davy 3.

📷Three of the Huxter and Davy team members taking part in the challenge