Berkhamsted Runner Crosses Finishing Line

You may remember that Nick Laing from Northchurch, Berkhamsted challenged himself to run 500 miles in aid of Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) – a small charity which runs opticians clinics for homeless and vulnerable people.

Back in April, Nick signed up to a sponsored challenge through VCHP’s Sponsored Events & Challenges programme, challenging himself to run 500 miles before Christmas, which is the distance between all 8 of the charity’s opticians clinics. Nick has been recording his regular training runs in the Berkhamsted area on an app and Vision Care for Homeless People have been translating this onto a map, charting his progress from the clinic in Exeter, to Brighton, the London clinics, Birmingham, Manchester and onto Leeds.

Nick chose to raise money for Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) as he was impressed by the service the charity provides to homeless and vulnerable people who would otherwise miss out on eye care. The money Nick is raising through sponsorship will be used across the clinics which are situated in homeless projects. The clinics are staffed by volunteer opticians who give eye tests and glasses where needed. Nick has worked in the optical industry himself for 20 years and currently works as Area Manager for optical suppliers Centrostyle, so is well aware of the importance of good eye care.

Vision Care for Homeless People were delighted to see Nick reach his 500 mile target, which he captured in a video of his final run, accompanied by his daughter.

‘Nick has shown real commitment to our charity. He has kept to his pledge to run 500 miles in time for Christmas. I’m sure there will have been times when running in the dark after work or in the wet required a real determination to get out there.We were glad to hear he reached his target and hope he enjoyed putting his feet up over the festive season, in the knowledge his efforts will help see lives changed for the better’ said VCHP Community Fundraiser, Alison.

Anyone wishing to congratulate Nick can do so by making a donation on his fundraising page here.

In early 2020 Vision Care for Homeless People will be opening a new clinic which will run one day a week in Stratford, East London. If you would like to find out how you can support this new venture or if you are inspired by Nick’s story and want to sign up for a fundraising challenge yourself, please contact Alison Gordon, Community Fundraiser, VCHP: alison.gordon@vchp.org.uk.