Last weekend's King of the North Downs cycle sportive around the hills of south-east England posed a challenge for a number of cyclists within optics.
Chris Bennett, Optician editor, donned a Vision Aid Overseas cycling jersey to tackle the 10 hills and 118-mile route in recognition of the donations made by finalists in the Optician Awards.
Those shortlisted have been pledging money in exchange for Award finalists' pin-badges. These donations will be added to the money raised at the charity casino for the overseas charity. Also taking part in the event were VAO's Jeremy Jalie, Luxottica's Andrew Spiers, Essilor's Darren Newth and David Cartwright, formerly of Boots Opticians.
Jalie was so impressed by the event, which offers a five-hill half distance option, that he planned to put together an optical team to take on the event next year. To join the team or make a donation to VAO email jeremy.jalie@vao.org.