A SIGHT-saving and international blindness prevention charity has thanked two chartered accountants from Harrow after they helped raise £25,000, writes Goolitan Cooper.
Vinoo Patel and Nilesh Haria arranged for 200 family, friends and clients to take part in the Oshwal Pharmacists Walk on Sunday June 29 at the Oshwal Centre in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, a temple for the Jainism religion which Mr Haria follows.
The 10km walk takes place every other year and participants collect sponsorship for their chosen good cause - in this case the vision charity Orbis for whom the pair, who are partners in Richfields Accountants in Station Road, Harrow, have raised money for several years.
Mr Patel, a 64-year-old grandfather of Grange Road, Harrow, said: “I’m incredibly happy that so many people gave up their Sunday to take part in this walk and raise money for such an important cause.
“I have been involved with Orbis for many years and truly believe in the work they do.
“This money will transform the lives of a great number of people suffering in darkness, providing them with opportunities and give them back a future and their independence.”
Liz Allen, head of the donor fundraising at Orbis, said: “Vinoo and Nilesh have been incredible Orbis supporters for over seven years and have introduced hundreds of new people to our vital sight-saving work during this time.
“We can’t thank them enough for their continued commitment and passion to help us save the sight of many more people suffering in darkness unnecessarily in the developing world.
“The money raised will really make a difference to those struggling with a treatable condition in the developing world.”
Orbis operates the world’s only flying eye hospital.
