For
the second
year running, Specsavers stores in Waterlooville, Havant and
Farlington have joined forces to support Sophie’s Legacy
ahead of Christmas. They have now established themselves as
collection points where people can donate items to the
charity.
Sophie’s Legacy was established at the beginning of 2022
after 10-year-old Sophie Fairall lost her battle to a rare
type of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma, in September 2021 at
age 10. Sophie
made her mum promise to make hospitals change for the better
so that children and parents receive the best treatment and
facilities while there, and Charlotte has been keeping her
promise ever since
The charity has raised thousands of pounds and has been
providing life-changing support.
Hanna Stevens, from Sophies Legacy, says: ‘Being in hospital
over Christmas is so hard for families.The children and
their parents miss out on celebrating with their family as
they normally would.
The donations of gifts really give the families such a boost
and it is so special as it means a complete stranger has
taken the time to think of them at Christmas.
The support of Specsavers and their customers this year has
been incredible. Thank you all so much and we wish you a
very Merry Christmas.’
With the three Specsavers stores now acting as collection
points, people are being encouraged to pop along with
donations of new toiletries, snacks and toys for Christmas.
These collection points are available any time of year as
well.
Store director, Bill Vance, says: ‘The donations will then
be packaged up and distributed to Queen Alexandra Hospital
where they will be used on the children’s wards. Sophie’s
Legacy has taken Portsmouth by storm over the last year, and
it has seen hundreds of people and businesses get on board
with supporting the cause to make children in hospital have
a better experience.’
