A BROMSGROVE teenage who is a survivor of a rare type of eye cancer was welcomed at Vision Express Redditch on Saturday, October 4, helping the store team raise more than £200 for charity in a 70s themed fun day.

William Randall, aged 14, who lost an eye to a rare eye cancer called retinoblastoma when he was a baby, helped rally residents to support the event, giving away goody bags and 70s inspired sweets to drive donations.

The store team donned fancy dress for the day, working towards smashing a target of £1,000 for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), which is the nominated charity of Vision Express.

Vision Express Redditch store manager, Joanne Morris, said: “It’s always great to have William visit the store, and we appreciate his support in raising money for CHECT.

"We hold charity events regularly and £230 in one day is one of our biggest donations to date.

"We’ve got more fundraisers planned, with three months left to hit our £1,000 target. With the help of our customers and the local community, we’re determined to get there."

CHECT supports families and individuals affected by the retinoblastoma. The trust also raises awareness of the symptoms to look out for and funds vital research into the condition.

Vision Express has supported CHECT since 2010, and last year donated £105,000 to the Trust.

CHECT chief executive Joy Felgate said: "The funds raised through the partnership between Vision Express and the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust will help ensure that when a parent's worst nightmare is realised, and they are told the devastating news that their child has eye cancer, they do not have to face this on their own.

"We are extremely grateful for everything Vision Express does to help raise awareness of eye cancer in children and much needed funds to enable us to continue this vital work."