Ballymena optician Stephen Lynn raises £1,560 for Guide Dogs NI after Belfast Half Marathon
Stephen Lynn running the Belfast Half Marathon in aid of Guide Dogs NI.
Thursday 12 November 2026
A Ballymena optician has turned his Belfast Half Marathon challenge into a fundraising success, raising £1,560 to help people living with sight loss enjoy greater independence and confidence.
Stephen Lynn, retail director at Specsavers Ballymena, completed the race in September, supported by friends, family, colleagues and customers who contributed to his fundraising efforts for Guide Dogs Northern Ireland.
The achievement was celebrated at the Specsavers store in Fairhill Shopping Centre, where Alex Patterson and his guide dog, Angus, joined Stephen to accept the donation alongside Guide Dogs NI volunteer Christine Patterson.
Supporting independence through sight loss services
The money will support the work of Guide Dogs Northern Ireland, which helps people affected by sight loss develop the confidence, skills and independence to navigate everyday life.
While best known for its guide dog partnerships, the charity also provides services for children and young people, mobility training and Sighted Guide training, helping members of the public learn how to safely assist someone with sight loss.
Operating from its Belfast base, the organisation depends on fundraising and volunteers to help maintain these services for people who need them now and in the future.
A community effort worth celebrating
Christine and Alex Patterson, with guide dog Angus, and Stephen Lynn from Specsavers Ballymena.
Stephen praised the generosity of everyone who backed his half marathon challenge and helped him exceed the £1,500 fundraising milestone.
He said:
“I am honoured to have been supported by friends, family, colleagues and customers, who have all given so generously to this very worthwhile charity. Guide Dogs NI helps people with sight loss live actively and independently with confidence and our business exists to provide accessible healthcare for our local community, so the work Guide Dogs NI does locally is of huge importance to us all.
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported this fundraising, and encouraged me and cheered me on, on race day! I’m delighted to have raised such a significant amount for the charity.”
The £1,560 total reflects not only Stephen’s determination to complete the half marathon, but also the generosity of the Ballymena community, with every contribution helping a charity dedicated to making everyday life more accessible for people living with sight loss.
