Barry skier Robert Taylor helps local Specsavers store raise money for eye disease sufferers (From Barry And District News)

Barry skier Robert Taylor helps local Specsavers store raise money for eye disease sufferers

8:40am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News

A FREESTYLE skier from Barry is helping the local Specsavers store raise money for sufferers of macular disease.

Robert Taylor, 28, is currently in training for the 2014 Winter Olympics and paid a visit to the Holton Road store to show his support for the campaign.

Macular disease causes severe visual impairment to around 250,000 people across the UK. The store is collecting old mobile phones and used inkjet cartridges, which will be recycled and the money raised donated to the Macular Disease Society.

"A big cause of macular disease is exposure to UV light, which is a particular concern for skiers as UV levels are greater at higher altitude,” said Robert.

"Specsavers has always supported me during my career and I keep in touch with the staff at the Barry store when I am back in the UK. “When I heard they were raising money for the Macular Disease Society, I decided it was time to dig out my old mobile phones and put them to good use to raise money for a good cause."

Jamie Pullen, director at Specsavers Barry, said: "Macular disease is a major cause of visual impairment and the Macular Disease Society does some really good work in supporting those who suffer from it.

"I would encourage anyone who has an old or broken mobile phone, or empty inkjet cartridges, to pop in and drop them off at the store for us to recycle."

You can drop off mobile phone and inkjet cartridges directly at the store, at 108 Holton Road, or call 01446 704910 for more information.