Opticians raised £32,000 to fight a rare genetic disorder.

Aarti and Aman Sawhney, owners of New Vision Opticians in Rayners Lane, have been working with a small charity called Smile with Shiv for the past five years.

The charity was set up by two parents, Manoj and Sejal Thakkar, to raise awareness of and treat a rare genetic disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which their eight-year-old son Shiv was diagnosed with at the age of three.

The condition degenerates and weakens muscles, causing people to be unable to walk by teenage years and to suffer respiratory complications within early adulthood. There is no cure.

The opticians have been hosting annual charity events for Smile with Shiv, with £2,800 raised at their most recent charity event in April.

Mr and Mrs Sawhney said: “Since 2015, New Vision Opticians have been a key partner in Smile with Shiv’s mission to raise awareness and funds to find an effective treatment or cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive life limiting muscle wasting condition.

“They have been instrumental in bringing together local businesses and the community for all fundraising events that have been held at their opticians in Rayners Lane, Harrow.”

Smile with Shiv has also partnered with New Vision Opticians for an upcoming charity gin & jazz gala evening at the Heathrow Terminal 5 Hilton hotel on September 13.