All eyes on the finish line
Over the weekend of 19th / 20th September, Valli Opticians hosted a fund raising event in memory of our dear friend and colleague Kamal Aftab. The event raised much needed funds and hopefully awareness for two charities very close to our hearts, Bloodwise, (formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research), and the Forget Me Not Children’s hospice.
Kamal was just 32 years old when he died, just two months after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Kamal was a very long serving charity worker, and after his diagnosis he set about raising thousands of pounds from his hospital bed, pledging to raise £50,000 for Bloodwise.
Staff, clients, friends and relatives all got together to take part in the Valli Rally that followed a route taking in four of our groups Huddersfield practices.
Both young and old teamed up to take part in the walk, with the youngest participant being only 16 months old. Despite an overcast start the weather brightened up and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
The walk was started by local MP Jason McCartney who cheered everyone on as they set off on their ten mile journey. After all the hard work, the group rewarded themselves with a good old Yorkshire tea party, where the Yorkshire Traction Honley Band played and soon had all those aching feet tapping.
Managing Director Moin Valli said “It was such a lovely day and a great way to remember Kamal and get everyone involved in helping to reach the £50,000 target. The donations were so kind and all funds will go to Bloodwise and the Forget Me Not Children’s hospice”.
The event would not have been the success it was, without the kind support of our generous sponsors, Rodenstock, Riasca, Spectrum Thea Pharmaceuticals, Dunelm Optical, John Polley Brand Communications, and Ravenhall Risk Solutions. We would like to thank Bloodwise, in particular the ladies from the Honley and Huddersfield branch, Alex Bray of the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, Yorkshire Traction Honley Band, and Mr and Mrs O’Grady who organised the route for their amazing contributions.
