Director of high street opticians in Richmond is cycling from London to Edinburgh for Crisis

Lee Penfold from Specsavers Richmond upon Thames is participating in the Crisis annual seven-day challenge which started on Monday 2nd and ends to the sound of bagpipes on Sunday, September 8.

A further two Specsavers directors, Adrian McCann, optometrist director from Specsavers Leven and David McGinty, ophthalmic director from Specsavers Aberdeen join Lee, as well as Crisis’ CEO Matt Downie and a wider group of Crisis supporters.

The trio of Specsavers partners are aiming to raise £15,000 for the national charity with the funds going directly to the Crisis flagship Skylight centres in both Edinburgh and London.

The Skylight centres offer life-changing, tailored support to people facing or experiencing homelessness. In June this year, a new free eye care clinic opened in Edinburgh’s Skylight Centre, run by Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP).

Located on the Wellness Floor, the eye care clinic was funded by Specsavers, thanks to a £50,000 donation. It provides a bespoke clinic as well as additional rooms which enables Crisis to broaden the health services it provides.

Retail director, Lee Penfold comments: "I started cycling to work around eight years ago for various reasons, including saving time commuting from Crystal Palace to Richmond, plus reducing my travel costs.

"During this time, I have become a keen cyclist spending many weekends riding out to the Surrey Hills with Richmond Park Velo cycling club, so I am used to more arduous, hilly environments.

"The London to Edinburgh Crisis charity ride will be a big challenge both mentally and physically, however I am determined to enjoy the experience as it is for such a worthy cause. And after all, we will be cycling through some really interesting and scenic countryside, including cycling over the iconic Humber Bridge."

During the seven-day cycle the Specsavers trio will be joined by a small group of around 15 cyclists who will also be fundraising for Crisis. They will be covering up to 500 miles and collectively aiming to raise £200,000 to help end homelessness.

To support the Crisis charity bike ride and make a donation please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/londontoedinburgh2024.

To support Lee, you can make a donation via the JustGiving link or in-store, as there is a Crisis donation box at Specsavers Richmond upon Thames, 18 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1BP.