Promising teen rower backed by Specsavers in her Olympic dream

Specsavers has put its support behind a promising 16-year-old rower from Worcester with Olympic aspirations.

Harriet Bray is receiving sponsorship from three Specsavers sites in Kidderminster - Vision Labs, Lens Online, and International Glazing Services (IGS).

With these combined forces, they hope to help Harriet achieve her dream of representing Great Britain as an under-19 athlete next year.

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Harriet's talent has been quickly recognised, as she only began the sport three years ago and has since claimed the British Rowing Junior Championship title.

She has also earned a place at the elite rowing academy at Hartpury College.

Rachel Baldwin, warehouse manager at all three sites, said: "When Harriet first reached out to us, we were incredibly impressed by the success she had already achieved in the sport and the determination she has as an aspiring young rower.

"Because she doesn’t currently have access to a new boat, we were keen to help her raise the required funds and get her one step closer to achieving her dream."

The cost of new boats range from £8,000 to £20,000, with Specsavers joining five other businesses in sponsoring Harriet.

Ms Baldwin added: "Because she doesn’t currently have access to a new boat, we were keen to help her raise the required funds and get her one step closer to achieving her dream."

During a visit to the Specsavers sites in Kidderminster, Harriet said: "I am extremely excited and grateful to have Specsavers supporting me.

"My ultimate aim is to represent Great Britain and having a new boat is a really important part of my continued development as I bid to become the best rower I can."