Surrey opticians take on the 2026 Thames Path Challenge in aid of The Royal Marsden

STORE partners from Specsavers Walton-on-Thames joined colleagues from across the South West London region, including Wimbledon, Richmond, Kingston and Wandsworth to raise funds in honour of a colleague who was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a year ago.

Joining the start of the Ultra Challenge at Putney Bridge, Mital Patel, Specsavers Walton-on-Thames ophthalmic director was joined by Ritu Daga, dispensing director and Conor MacCarthy, former retail director. They met up with other Specsavers colleagues from the region to complete the 28km first leg which finished at Hurst Park in West Molesey.

Mital said: ‘We decided to join our South West London Specsavers colleagues to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer charity in memory of a dear colleague, Richard, who touched the lives of so many of us.

‘Cancer affects many people, be that a family member, a friend, or colleague, so we wanted to raise funds to support the incredible work the charity does whilst honouring the memory of our colleague.’

We also wanted to express our thanks and gratitude to Amber Rachyal-Bowler, retail director at Specsavers Wallington for organising the charity fund raiser and bringing us all together.’

Starting at Putney Bridge, the 2026 Thames Path Ultra Challenge follows the meandering Tow Path of the River Thames, passing historic sites such as Richmond, Hampton Court and Runnymede, home to the Magna Carta, before twisting onwards past Windsor Castle and Marlow, following stunning historic English scenery all the way to the world-famous Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames, home to the Henley Royal Regatta.

More than 3,000 took part in the Ultra Challenge with many raising money for their preferred charity, and in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

To date, the store partners from Specsavers South West London have raised over £5,814 for The Royal Marsden Cancer charity that provides support for those going through treatment. To support the fund raiser, you can donate to the Just Giving page: Specsavers Opticians South West London is fundraising for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

In preparation for the autumn and winter months, you can book a sight test or hearing check by calling Specsavers Walton-on-Thames on 01932 251960. Alternatively, you can book online at: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/waltononthames