A St Annes-based skin cancer specialist has teamed up with a local business for a huge give-away event as part of her latest safety campaign.
Michelle Forsyth, a Skin Cancer Care Co-ordinator at Clifton Hospital, is working with opticians, Maximeyez in Cleveleys to give away sun-safe designer sunglasses to children aged between 4 and 11.
Michelle said: “Following on from my work with skin cancer charity Skcin to provide sun cream in schools and businesses, we are now hoping to provide sun safe glasses to primary school children.
“Through the kind donation of a Blackpool skin cancer patient, 81-year-old Brian Watson who is keen to support sun safety locally, we are now focusing on sun glasses.
“Thanks to the generosity of Oliver Beaumont, Chairman of Dunelm Optical and the owner of Maximeyez, Leanne Hurst – both who have been affected by melanoma in their families – we are able to give away 150 pairs of ‘Rock Star’ designer sunglasses at a special event this summer.”
The special event will be held outside Maximeyez opticians in Cleveleys. From 10.15am, and every hour, 50 pairs of children’s sunglasses will be given away to children who can tell Michelle the five Ss of sun safety.
Cases and cloths will be available to buy separately and all money raised will go to Skcin. As the North West Ambassador for the charity, Michelle will use the money to promote sun safety across the Fylde coast.
Maximeyez owner Leanne said: “I have owned the shop for only eight months and I am very keen to support local charities like this, especially as my sister was treated for melanoma.
“The glasses we are giving away are polarised and completely protect youngster’s eyes from the sun. We will also be offering free MOT for glasses such as tightening screws and changing nose plates and will have free eye tests for children too.
Michelle and Leanne inside the shop
“Not only do we hope to make money for the charity, we hope to spread awareness of potential eye damage from the sun, especially for young ones. Here at Maximeyez, we have a full range of sun glasses available for all ages, some of which are handmade. We welcome new and old customers to pop in for advice and a first class, independent service.”
The event will be held at the shop at 162 Victoria Road West, FY5 3NE on Saturday, August 17 and will include an ice cream van, glitter face painting, sun safety bracelets courtesy of HealthEd Co, free prosecco for parents and even George, the Sun Safety Superstar. There will also be a raffle with a host of family friendly prizes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your child some FREE sunglasses. The event will start at 10am with the giveaways at: 10.15, 11.30 and 12.45.