A Teignmouth businessman is preparing for the second leg of his year-long fundraising marathon to help charities in Teignmouth.

Simon Simmonds, store director of Specsavers in Teignmouth, located at 4 Bank Street, is due to compete in four long distance races around the UK during 2011. The charity set to benefit from the fundraising for the second run, The Great East Run, is Diabetes UK. Mr Simmonds is looking to top the £329 he raised for the RNLI from the first run.

To raise the money, staff from Specsavers will be providing 'specs MOTs' in return for donations throughout this month.

Mr Simmonds says: 'I chose to support Diabetes UK as the work they do is so closely connected with my job as an optometrist. I see the results of the charity on a daily basis in Teignmouth and I know the money donated will be used well.

'A routine eye test can detect many conditions, including diabetes, and with diabetes awareness week coming up next week, now is the perfect time to book an appointment with your optician.'

Zoe Steer, spokesman for Diabetes UK, says: 'We are so pleased to have been chosen by Specsavers to receive this donation. Diabetes UK is independent of government funding and relies on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. The donation from Specsavers in Teignmouth will be greatly appreciated.'

The charity is the largest organisation in the UK working with people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people to live with the condition.

To donate visit the store at 4 Bank Street, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8AL or visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeignmouthSpecsavers">www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeignmouthSpecsavers.