Optometrist completes fundraising climbs

Optometrist Purvi Thomson has scaled Mount Snowdon with her husband and two young daughters to raise funds for charities that supported her following a cancer diagnosis.

Thomson was diagnosed with cancer shortly after the birth of her eldest daughter. She is marking ten years since receiving the all clear by raising funds for Mummy's Star and the Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and AOP.

As well as the climb with her daughters, on a separate climb Thomson summited Ben Nevis with her husband.

Thomson highlighted that the charities she is raising funds for helped her family when they needed it most.

"Mummy’s Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within 12 months of giving birth, and their families. Their mission is to provide cancer support to every family facing this traumatic situation. They helped us through an incredibly challenging time of our life,” she said.

“The Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and AOP provided invaluable financial support when we needed it the most and now we would like to give back so they can continue to help others that need it,” Thomson shared.

Alongside her fundraising efforts, Thomson is arranging the donation of eye care boxes for people undergoing chemotherapy

The boxes will contain a range of products to ease the potential ocular effects of cancer treatment, including eye drops, compress mask and wipes.

Companies providing support for the eye care boxes include The Body Doctor, Scope, Farmigea, Thea and Rayner.

“When I was going through chemotherapy I joined some online help groups and so many ladies would ask what to do as their eyes were sore. I’d be able to advise as I knew what drops would help and other remedies they could try to alleviate the soreness,” Thomson highlighted.

“The cost implication of buying these products is immense when you can already be financially struggling due to having to give up work or, as we found, also having a small baby to support,” she shared.

Those interested in finding out more about Thomson’s fundraising climb or making a donation can visit her Crowdfunder page.