[A] MAN from Carlisle has been chosen from thousands of proud glasses wearers as a regional finalist for Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year.
Stephen Huddart, aged 49 from Carlisle could follow in the footsteps of last year’s Award winner, Love Island hunk Alex Miller, winning £10,000 and the chance to mingle with the stars at the annual Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards.
Glasses wearers across the UK and Republic of Ireland have been showing off their specs style by sharing their selfies online throughout the spring and summer.
Stephen was invited to visit his local Specsavers store in Carlisle to receive a bottle of champagne, a certificate and a £150 glasses voucher.
He also took the opportunity to try Specsavers’ innovative Framestyler technology to help choose a new pair of specs, ahead of the next round of judging.
Stephen first started wearing glasses two years ago when he started to have trouble reading: ‘My vision became very blurry and I was worried it could be something as serious as a brain tumour – then I visited Specsavers and they told me it was age-related vision loss.’
Stephen has some advice for other glasses wearers who don’t feel confident: ‘Embrace it! I’d been straining my eyes for years because I wasn’t comfortable wearing them but entering the competition has boosted my confidence massively.’
Glenn Rowe, store director at Carlisle Specsavers says: ‘We’re delighted that Stephen has made it this far in the competition. Everyone at the Carlisle store wishes him the best of luck and we will all be rooting for him over the next few weeks.’
The awards were launched by Steps star Claire Richards earlier this year. If he triumphs in his age category, Stephen will meet Claire and rub shoulders with many other celebs at the glitzy awards ceremony at London’s 8 Northumberland Avenue in October.
There are five age categories – 16-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-59 and over 60, plus a Facebook favourite voted for by the public. All age category winners will win a VIP makeover, with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade in specs wearing.