Shane Haron has been crowned Spectacle Wearer of the Year for 2018, taking home a cash prize of £10,000.
Haron, a mind coach and personal trainer from Romford, was presented the award by pop star Claire Richards and host Rylan Clark-Neal at Specsavers’ annual awards in London last week.
The awards also recognised celebrities. Love Island star Dani Dyer won best newcomer, The Great British Bake Off’s Sandi Toksvig was recognised for her Service to Specs, and Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh took home the Specs Style Couple award.
Thousands of applicants were narrowed down to just a handful, with a star panel of judges presenting on the night to decide the winner. X Factor’s Louis Walsh and Tulisa were joined by Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirely Ballas and last year’s winner, and Love Island contestant Alex Miller, along with Specsavers’ co-founder Dame Mary Perkins.
Main prize winner Haron said: ‘My immediate plan now is to expand my business, so I can help more people dealing with trauma and anxiety to live happier lives.
‘I was bullied as a child, so know the impact that can have on you as an adult and having the chance to support others makes me feel very lucky.’
The event also raised over £100,000 for the anti-bullying charity Kidscape, to which Specsavers has been a patron for more than five years.
