THE FOCUS was on fundraising when a big-hearted opticians set up stall in memory of a Kineton youngster.
Staff from Specsavers in Stratford helped raise vital funds for Taystribe, a local charity supporting brain tumour research, by taking part in Tayfest, held alongside Kineton Music Festival.
They offered glasses cleaning, adjustments, and a kids’ competition to decorate old specs and over 100 goody bags were given out. OCT scans and designer glasses were donated to the festival raffle.
In addition, Specsavers store directors, Andrew Eaves and Imogen Bentham donated the value of every OCT scan carried out in-store that weekend to Taystribe – raising £200 for the cause.
Tayfest is held in memory of Taylan, the six-year-old son of local couple Laura and Toygun Kurtul, who passed away in February last year after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour – medulloblastoma – in May 2023.
Laura founded Taystribe to raise awareness and urgently needed funding for research into childhood brain tumours which receive just one per cent of national cancer research funding despite being the biggest killer of children and adults under 40.
Store director Andrew Eaves said: “Tayfest was a powerful reminder of how a community can come together in the face of loss to do something positive. It was an honour to support Taystribe and help raise both money and awareness for such an important cause.
“One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was seeing Taylan’s dad, Toygun, take on the blazing summer heat in a full Gruffalo costume – entertaining children and bringing a little magic to the day in honour of Taylan.
“Specsavers is committed to supporting Taystribe wherever possible and looks forward to taking part in Tayfest again next year.”
