The 'We See You' Campaign: Turning Darkness to Light

A Community Artwork by The Optical People, Chepstow

This October, The Optical People in Chepstow are turning their shop window into a living piece of community artwork, and the whole community is invited to be part of it.

Why We're Doing This:

The campaign was born from something deeply personal. Our friend, colleague and director, Lynne, is facing an incredibly difficult cancer journey. Lynne was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2017 and, after surgery, was given the all-clear. Sadly, nine years later, the melanoma has returned and spread rapidly, and she is now about to begin treatment.

Lynne has already received incredible care from Velindre Cancer Centre. As her friends, family and supporters, we want to give something back by raising funds for the people helping her, and by making everyone affected by cancer feel seen, cared for and supported. Lynne's experience has reminded us how many lives cancer touches: not only those diagnosed, but their families, friends, colleagues and carers too.

We wanted to create something that was about people, rather than cancer.

The Artwork:

On 1 October, the window will be completely clear and full of light. Visit The Optical People and leave a message of hope, positivity and love for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer: a name, a memory, a few kind words. One person, one message, one little piece of paper.

As the month goes on, hundreds, hopefully thousands, of messages will fill the window and gradually block out the light. At first glance it will look darker, but behind every note will be something much brighter.

Our window will get darker. But our community will get lighter.

Cancer takes up a lot of space. So do love, family, friendship and support.

The Raffle:

Alongside the artwork, we're running what we hope will be one of Chepstow's biggest community raffles, raising funds for Velindre University NHS Trust Charitable Funds (Registered Charity No. 1052501). More than 50 local businesses came on board within just two days of launch and this is constantly growing. However, every contribution, large or small, helps turn a shared experience into something positive for Lynne and for everyone facing cancer.

Why Velindre?:

With 1 in 2 of us developing cancer in our lifetime, Velindre Cancer Charity needs your support now more than ever. Velindre funds innovative projects and services that go beyond NHS provision, helping to deliver exceptional cancer services to over 1.7 million people across South East Wales and beyond. Together, we will achieve Victory Over Cancer.

We see you. We stand with you. You are not alone.

With our sincere thanks, The Optical People, Chepstow