Two days, 200 miles: Didsbury eye hospital backs wheelchair football heroes

MCRJourno

Didsbury-based Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester has shown its commitment to community health by supporting a remarkable cycle challenge in aid of the Wheelchair Football Association (WFA).

As an official sponsor of the WFA, Optegra backed the #TheGoodRoadToDerby challenge this May, which saw two dedicated supporters cycle 200 miles in just two days.

Dean Williams, WFA executive coach and chair, along with long-standing supporter Nick Woodward, completed the demanding route from Hull to Derby via the Pennines and Moors.

The challenge aimed to raise both awareness and funds for the WFA Benevolent Fund - a resource designed to support wheelchair football players and clubs in times of financial difficulty.

Jen Abbott, Mat Pickering, Dean William

During their journey, the pair made a pitstop at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, where they were welcomed and cheered on by Managing Director Mat Pickering and UK Operations Director Jen Abbott.

The WFA Benevolent Fund is currently in development and will be built over the next three years to offer sustainable support to those in need.

"As title sponsors of the 2024-25 Optegra National League, it was important to include a visit to Optegra’s Manchester hospital" said Williams.

"Optegra’s backing has helped raise the profile of our competitions [so] we were delighted to meet the team and refuel."

The challenge has raised £5,000 to date.