Ballymena optician takes on Belfast Half Marathon for Guide Dogs NI

Stephen Lynn, retail director at Specsavers Ballymena is pictured with Alex Patterson and his guide dog, Angus, alongside Guide Dogs NI volunteer, Viv Carson. Stephen Lynn is fundraising for the charity ahead of the Belfast Half Marathon.

A Ballymena optician is swapping the testing room for running shoes this month as he prepares to tackle 13.1 miles in support of people living with sight loss across Northern Ireland.

Stephen Lynn, retail director at Specsavers Ballymena, will take on the Belfast Half Marathon on Sunday 20 September to raise funds and awareness for Guide Dogs Northern Ireland.

His fundraising campaign has already received a £200 contribution from his business partners, while customers and members of the local community are also being encouraged to get behind his challenge.

Supporting independence for people with sight loss

Guide Dogs NI provides a range of services for people affected by sight loss, including guide dog partnerships, support for children and young people, mobility training and Sighted Guide training for members of the public.

Ahead of the half marathon, Stephen was joined at the Fairhill Shopping Centre store by Alex Patterson and his guide dog, Angus.

The visit gave the Ballymena team an opportunity to hear first-hand about the difference a trained guide dog and practical support can make to someone living with diminished eyesight.

Alex Patterson, guide dog Angus and Guide Dogs NI volunteer Viv Carson are pictured with Stephen Lynn, retail director at Specsavers Ballymena who is running the Belfast Half Marathon in aid of the charity.

Stephen said:

“Guide Dogs NI is a charity that helps people with sight loss live actively, independently and with confidence. Our business exists to care for our local community’s eye health, from regular sight tests to assessing minor eye conditions and supporting people with deteriorating eyesight.

“We are really grateful that Alex and Angus came in to meet our team and support my campaign. We are local experts who work in eye care every day, and we know the importance of independence, confidence and practical support for people affected by sight loss. I’m also very proud that my partners in the business have contributed £200 towards the fundraising, all of which will go towards the life-changing work Guide Dogs NI provides in Northern Ireland.”

‘We wish Stephen the best of luck’

Gary Wilson, community fundraising manager NI for Guide Dogs, said money raised through the Ballymena effort would help the charity continue supporting people and families affected by sight loss.

He added:

“Our mission is to help everyone with sight loss, and their families, through life-changing mobility services, breaking down barriers along the way. By choosing to support Guide Dogs NI during his half marathon challenge, Stephen is helping thousands of people in communities across Northern Ireland who are living with sight loss.

“We are grateful for his support, and for the support of his team, customers and members of the local community who have already donated and who will continue to help him raise funds for our charity. We wish Stephen the best of luck for the Belfast Half Marathon!”

How to support Stephen

Anyone wishing to support Stephen’s fundraising can donate online through his JustGiving page.

Donations can also be made in person at Specsavers Ballymena in Fairhill Shopping Centre, where collection boxes are available.

The Belfast Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 20 September, starting and finishing at Ormeau Park, with Stephen’s challenge giving local supporters another opportunity to help Guide Dogs NI provide practical support and greater independence to people living with sight loss.