May 20, 2025

Community Spirit in Action: Specsavers Sevenoaks Hosts Quiz Night to Support Guide Dogs UK

There’s nothing quite like a lively quiz night to bring a community together – especially when it’s for a brilliant cause. The Specsavers Sevenoaks team invite you to gather your friends, sharpen your general knowledge and join them on Friday 7th June at 7pm at the Bat & Ball Centre for a fun, family-friendly evening in support of Guide Dogs UK.

For just £15 per ticket, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, the chance to test your trivia and the warm feeling of giving back – every single penny raised goes directly to Guide Dogs UK. Bring your own food and drinks if you wish, and don’t forget some cash: delicious cakes donated by COOK, Buntastic and generous local resident Ann Ruddle will be available for purchase on the night!

Book Your Tickets and Help Hit £5,000!

Tickets are £15 and can be purchased in-store at Specsavers Sevenoaks, on the door on the night or by donating £15 per ticket on their JustGiving page to secure your spot.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET VIA JUSTGIVING HERE

A Local Team Making a National Difference

Since November, the team at Specsavers Sevenoaks have been going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. From tombolas and raffles to plant and book sales, they’ve rallied support from their customers and the wider Sevenoaks community, raising around £1,400 so far. The upcoming quiz night and a courageous charity skydive the following day (Sunday 8th June) are part of their ambitious mission to reach a £5,000 fundraising target.

This cause is close to their hearts. Working in optometry, the team see first-hand how sight loss can affect everyday life – and they’re passionate about helping people live more independently through the incredible work of Guide Dogs UK. “We believe everyone living with sight loss deserves an equal chance and the resources to live the life they deserve,” says the team. “And we’re all dog lovers too – we love seeing the dogs training in town!”

A Skydive, a Marathon… and a Lot of Heart

It’s not just about the quiz night. On Sunday 8th June, six of the Specsavers team – Ellie, Tuppence, Lucca, Jack, Nick and Tameira – will be facing their fears and leaping from a plane over Headcorn Airfield for a charity skydive.

And their dedication doesn’t stop there. Over Easter weekend last month, Ellie and Tuppence completed an epic walking marathon from Marble Arch to Sevenoaks, dressed in Specsavers T-shirts and dog ears, raising awareness and collecting donations along the way!

Where the Money Goes: Supporting Independence and Mobility

Every penny raised from the Quiz Night – and the team’s wider fundraising – goes directly to Guide Dogs UK, helping to fund the training, care and lifelong support of these extraordinary dogs and their owners.

It costs over £55,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog partnership throughout its life. That includes everything from specialist puppy raising to matching dogs with owners and providing ongoing advice, training and aftercare.

Your support helps change lives – giving people with sight loss the freedom to move confidently through the world, pursue education, careers travel, and enjoy the everyday moments so many of us take for granted.

Expect Wagging Tails and Big Smiles

Adding extra joy to the night will be some very special four-legged guests: local guide dogs! Many in the Specsavers team now know these amazing animals by name – including Rhubarb, one of the latest pups to join the fold, who’s been lovingly cared for and trained by local legend Irene Collins before moving on to advanced guide dog training.

As one of the fundraising team recalled, a standout moment came back in 2017 when Maxine, one of the Specsavers Sevenoaks directors and then-Mayor of Sevenoaks, walked blindfolded with a guide dog to better understand what life is like for someone who is visually impaired. The experience really brought home just how life-changing these dogs are.

Rhubarb

Local Prizes, Local Pride

This truly is a community-powered event. Dozens of local businesses have generously donated raffle prizes and team rewards, including gift vouchers, breakfast for two and afternoon cake and coffee experiences. So, make sure to bring some cash for raffle tickets and be in with a chance to win something great – all while supporting a cause that transforms lives.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET VIA JUSTGIVING HERE

Proudly Sponsored by Thackray Williams

Backing this incredible community effort is local law firm Thackray Williams, who have shown their support both financially and fearlessly. Here’s what they had to say:

“Thackray Williams is thrilled to announce their support for Specsavers’ upcoming Quiz Night and Skydive, in aid of the wonderful Guide Dogs for the Blind. What began as a simple offer to sponsor the Quiz Night has expanded into something truly inspiring, with several members of our Sevenoaks team eager to take the plunge themselves!

We’re delighted to share that Stuart Ruff, Nicki Rundle, Megan O’Hara, and Anjuma Mukith are all set for the skydive. While we’re sorry that Ana Zandi has had to withdraw for medical reasons, we’re confident that another brave member of the team will step forward to join this incredible cause.

We’ll be cheering them on for their skydive on June 8th!”

Katrina Walker, Head of Business Development and Client Relationships, commented, “This was a fantastic opportunity for TW to champion another brilliant local business! When I was chatting with our team in Sevenoaks, the thought of them ‘actually participating’ never even crossed my mind – we were simply offering to back the Quiz Night! But their response was phenomenal! To step up and support Specsavers in this way. They’re very brave … I couldn’t do it!”

So, grab your team, brush up on your trivia and come along for a paw-some evening that’s all about community, compassion and canine companions. Let’s help Specsavers Sevenoaks reach their £5,000 goal and give more people the life-changing support of a guide dog.