Retail director sets sights on trio of charity challenges

A RETAIL director at Specsavers Strabane has completed the first of three big challenges in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

Jeffrey Boyce, who joined the team at the Pavilion Retail Park store last September, took part in the 22nd annual ten-mile walk organised by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, which saw over 100 people alongside Jeffrey take on the hike from Cushendall to Carnlough at the end of July.

Next up for Jeffrey is scaling three of Ireland’s most towering peaks this weekend. The Big 3 Irish Mountain Trek is a new event for Cancer Focus and will see 30 trekkers take on Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry, the highest mountain in Ireland, Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow, the highest of the Wicklow Mountains, and Slieve Donard in County Down, the highest mountain in the North.

Speaking of his challenges, Jeffrey said, “I have always wanted to take on a fundraising challenge for Cancer Focus. I am one of the many people who have been affected by cancer with family and friends being diagnosed over the years, and it makes you realise how much more funding needs to go into battling this disease that continues to devastate lives across Northern Ireland.

“The first of my challenges, the 10-mile walk from Cushendall to Carnlough, was a fantastic way to meet others who want to help and have been fundraising for the charity for years. It energised me to bring my all to these challenges, and while The Big 3 Irish Mountain Trek is completely daunting, I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be a rewarding weekend.”

Jeffrey owns and runs Specsavers Strabane alongside ophthalmic director Peadar Kearney, working with a team of 12 at the local opticians, who have all thrown their support behind Jeffrey’s challenges.

He will finish his trilogy of fundraisers with the Causeway Coast Marathon Walk on September 14, following the paths, tracks, beaches and coastline of the Causeway Coast Way for 26.2 miles.