AN OPTICIANS in Guiseley is helping people affected by long-term cancer, by donating food and sweet treats to the Bexley Wing at St James's University Hospital.

Staff at Guiseley Specsavers store wanted to get involved because its ophthalmic director Anjham Akbar, was recently a stem cell donor for his brother, who was being treated at St James's University Hospital for stage 4 T-cell histiocyte rich B cell lymphoma and urgently needed a transplant.

The store has donated to the haematology wing, which provides comprehensive services for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant and non-malignant disorders of the blood and bone marrow.

Specsavers teamed up with Otley community group, Chevin Socialites, which funds the Hug on a Tray appeal. The group provide free drinks and snacks to all patients, family members and visitors on the haematology wards.

Lesley Noble, a member of Chevin Socialites, said: "We raise funds so we can provide every patient on the ward with free TV and goody bags filled with sweet treats and essentials. This is our 'hug' to all of them, including families to save them having to buy on arrival. We really appreciate what the staff at Specsavers Guiseley are doing to help us to continue which has raised the morale in the waiting room and the wards."

Anjham Akbar said: "We go a long way here at the store to help local charities. After what happened with my brother and when we heard about the 'Hug on a Tray' appeal and the great work the Chevin Socialites do for the Bexley Wing, we really wanted to get involved.

"We’d like to thank our staff and loyal customers for getting behind our charitable efforts and showing their support. We hope the lovely treats donated in-store by staff and customers helps supports families and patients and we would like to encourage local people to donate anything they can for this worthy cause.’