Colleagues at Specsavers Mansfield have raised £430 to support local district nurse Laura Fitt following her motor neurone disease diagnosis.
The donation is going to Making Memories for Laura, a fundraising campaign intended to help her spend time with loved ones and meet the cost of equipment and adaptations at home.
Laura is the sister of store director Hayley Goucher. Staff at the Westgate store and its sister branch at Mansfield Sainsbury’s organised activities including a bake sale and raffle, raising £215.
Store director Patrick Hegarty then matched that amount, bringing the final donation to £430.
Support for Laura and her family
In the release supplied on her behalf, Laura described receiving her diagnosis in July and thanked colleagues and customers for their support.
She said: “I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Specsavers Mansfield who have supported the fundraising. This donation means so much.”
Laura said the funds would help her make memories with loved ones and provide practical support for the future. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.
She added: “Every donation, message and act of kindness reminds us that we are not facing this journey alone, and I cannot thank everyone enough for their generosity and support.”
Colleagues come together
Patrick Hegarty said: “When Hayley shared Laura’s story with the team, everyone wanted to do something to help. The response from our colleagues and customers has been incredible. It was fantastic to see so many people get involved in the fundraising activities.”
Hayley Goucher said: “Seeing the support from my colleagues, customers and the local community has been incredibly moving, and my whole family is so grateful to everyone for their ongoing support.”
The team’s donation will contribute to the wider Making Memories for Laura campaign, which is receiving support from family, friends, colleagues and the community.