SPECSAVERS has donated £10,000 to Cerebra, a charity supporting children with brain conditions, to mark the start of a year-long fundraising partnership.

The opticians on High Street in Cardigan is joining forces with 38 other Specsavers stores across south and mid Wales to raise additional funds for Cerebra’s support services and research work, with plans afoot for fancy dress days and a 220-mile cycle-thon.

The donation was presented to Cerebra’s chief executive, Chris Jones, when Specsavers staff from across the region visited Cerebra’s Innovation Centre in Swansea.

During the visit, staff saw products the charity has designed to make life easier, more inclusive and fun for children with brain conditions and also met with three families the charity supports to see first-hand how its services are positively impacting on families in Wales and the rest of the UK.

Heledd Hallett, Specsavers store director in Cardigan, said: “Cerebra is a remarkable charity that does incredible work to improve the lives of children with brain conditions, which we saw first-hand at the launch of this partnership.

“The advice and information it provides to families goes far beyond leaflet sharing, with the charity giving practical help and guidance to families to help them get the financial and social support they need.

“It empowers families with the information they need to make their own decisions and solve any problems and issues they face.

“We’re always striving to support organisations making a positive impact on our community and Cerebra is doing just that.’

Cerebra has been working with families who have children with brain conditions since 2001 and is currently supporting 4,500 families across Wales, with thousands more accessing information through their website.

Ms Hallett added: “We always enjoy raising money for charity and can’t wait to build on that initial £10,000 donation with our neighbouring Specsavers stores.’

Chris Jones, chief executive of Cerebra, said: “Families where a child has a brain condition face challenges every day – just to learn, play, make friends, enjoy and experience the world can be difficult, even impossible.

“But we don’t believe there is any challenge that can’t be overcome, and we are dedicated to helping families discover a better life together. We are very grateful to Specsavers for their generous support and are excited that they joining us on this rewarding journey to work wonders for children with brain conditions.”