Enya Quigley and Kathleen Crossan from Derry have both been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Specsavers organised Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

Enya (22) picked up her award in the 16-24 age category and Kathleen (60) won through in the 60+ section. Both ladies now go forward to the next round of judging, competing against entries from throughout the UK and Ireland. If successful they will have the opportunity to be part of the prestigious final on October 10 at London venue, 8 Northumberland Avenue with special guest Nadine Coyle, formerly of Girls Aloud.

Kathleen first started wearing glasses in her 20s and since then hasn’t looked back, ‘I absolutely love my specs. Nowadays glasses are very fashionable and are worn by so many people. I wear bifocals and need them all the time, but I also really enjoy wearing glasses – both on special occasions and for everyday work and life.’

Now retired, Kathleen runs a small business creating wedding cakes – something which she takes great pride in and huge enjoyment from. Talking about Spectacle Wearer of the Year, Kathleen said, ‘I spotted the Specsavers competition on facebook and as I’m an enthusiastic specs wearer I decided to enter on a whim. I’m so glad I did and am delighted to reach this stage of the competition.’

Currently studying for a degree in youth work at Magee University, Enya also wears her specs all the time and first needed glasses when she was only three. ‘My motto is ‘glasses rock’ and I love wearing them. I do need them all the time but I also love specs and choose whatever style and shape I like best each time I buy a pair.

‘During my early school days I was teased as at one stage I was the only person in my class wearing glasses. However, that’s all in the past and today there is so much choice and so many people wearing specs that old stereotypes don’t exist so much.

‘My mum encouraged me to enter the Specsavers competition and I’m thrilled that I’m through to the next stage as it’s the first time I’ve ever entered. It’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to picking out new specs as part of my prize.’

Enya and Kathleen each won a £150 voucher and a bottle of champagne. Pictured with them is Bella-Jane Beattie, optometrist at the Ferryquay Street located Specsavers store in Derry.

Congratulating both ladies on achieving regional finalist awards, store director at Specsavers Derry, Maeve Walsh said, ‘It’s fantastic to have two wonderful winners form Derry. Spectacle Wearer of the Year is a hugely popular competition and attracts thousands of entries hundreds. Both Enya and Kathleen are excellent ambassadors for specs wearer and I’d like to wish them both good luck as they go forward top the next stage.’

Now in its 22nd year, the competition gives regional finalists from five age categories: 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59 and over 60s, plus a Facebook favourite voted by the public – the opportunity to attend the star-studded awards ceremony in London when one overall winner will walk away with a cash prize of £10,000 and the coveted title, Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2017.

Anti-bullying charity Kidscape is set to benefit from the awards as Specsavers donates £1 for each entry made. Funds raised will support the charity in providing training, support and advice for children, parents, schools and those who may be impacted by bullying. The competition has raised more than £400,000 for Kidscape over the past six years.

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