Mansfield opticians raises funds for ‘Making Memories for Laura’

Colleagues at Specsavers Mansfield have come together to raise £430 for ‘Making Memories for Laura’, a fundraising campaign to support local district nurse, Laura Fitt, following her motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis.

It is a cause particularly close to the team’s heart as Laura is the sister of store director, Hayley Goucher.

Colleagues from the locally owned and run store on Westgate, and the sister store at Mansfield Sainsbury’s, organised a series of fundraising activities, including a bake sale and raffle, raising £215. Store director, Patrick Hegarty, then pledged to match the total, bringing the final donation to £430.

Laura said: “My Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, which is a specific type of MND, came completely out of the blue. I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Specsavers Mansfield who have supported the fundraising. This donation means so much.

“The fundraising is not just about raising money but raising awareness of MND and the impact it has on those living with it. As I'm sure people have seen in the media, there have been many young celebrities diagnosed with this terrible disease and we need to continue to shine a light on MND to gain vital funding which will help to aid research for treatments and hopefully a cure one day.”

Laura was diagnosed with MND in July and has since been overwhelmed by the support she has received from family, friends, colleagues and the wider community. The fundraising campaign also aims to raise awareness of the devastating neurological condition and the impact it has on those living with it.

The funds will help Laura create special memories with her loved ones, while also contributing to the cost of equipment and adaptations at home. This will help Laura maintain her independence and comfort as things change, as well as going towards anything else she may need in the future.