NEWQUAY’S former world and European watersports champion Lisa Butterly has her eyes on more prizes after being presented with free specialised goggles from local opticians.

Lisa counts European Bodyboarding Champion and World Surf Life-Saving Champion among her many titles in recent years, but sight issues have severely hampered her ability to continue competing at the highest levels.

The final straw came when she was taking part in the surf swim race at a national event and headed towards the wrong marker buoys – dropping her from first place back to 13th.

She then contacted the team at Specsavers Newquay and asked if they would be able to correct her sight with specialised goggles.

The team invited Lisa to the store for a checkup and were able to give her prescription goggles and offer her other support to ensure that she can compete once again at the highest level.

Michael Honey, retail director at Specsavers Newquay, said: “When Lisa reached out for help in fixing her vision with goggles and supporting her locally in her sport, we were delighted to be able to assist in getting her back to the top again.

“Lisa is an exceptionally talented and dedicated athlete, and we believe passionately in backing local people to be the best they can be.

“The key person in us supporting Lisa was our Optical Supervisor, Lilly Firbank. She was recently promoted from Optical Assistant and requested to get involved with the community wherever she can.

“It's something she's really passionate about, and she is dedicated to ensuring she knows every patient personally and by name - giving a real personal touch and genuinely caring about them.

“As soon as Lisa got in touch, Lilly asked if she could support her cause and have this as her first community support. Since then, we have made many more plans to involve with community in the coming months.

“Sponsoring Lisa in this way is a perfect fit for us because we’re very aware of Newquay’s ocean heritage and are always happy to help the community when we can. We look forward to hearing about her many successes in the future.”

Lisa paid tribute to Lilly and Michael for their help in providing the free goggles.

She adds: “I’m so grateful to them both. They’ve really enabled me to race more confidently in the sport that I love.

“My vision has been deteriorating with age and when I race at Surf Lifesaving events it can be quite stressful trying to see marker buoys and finishing flags while navigating the course. This is now so much easier thanks to Lilly and Michael.

“I have been racing as a masters competitor with Crantock Surf Lifesaving club for around seven years now. I love the training and the awesome community that goes with it. I work hard in the water all year round to train for a number of events, using specific craft and enjoying the challenges that the ocean environment brings.

“One of the most difficult and prestigious events that I prepare for is the Ocean Woman event, which encompasses three disciplines – a board, ski and swim leg – and is a real test of fitness and skill. Over the years my training and dedication has paid off, and I have held a collection of world, European, national and regional titles.

“Now, being able to see more clearly in the water again is really exciting for me. Our three-person Crantock masters swim team just won silver at the Cornish Open, a performance to be very proud of against a much younger field.”

For further information about Specsavers Newquay, call 01637 854400 or go online at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/newquay