A WINDOW at an opticians’ practice is being transformed into a display of hope and love for those affected by cancer.

Throughout October the window at The Optical People in Chepstow are inviting people to leave personal messages of support, remembrance and encouragement in the window as part of its You Are Seen campaign.

The campaign also aims to raise £10,000 for the Velindre Cancer Centre with a raffle that has been supported with more than 100 prizes by local businesses.

It has been inspired by the experience of cancer by Lynne Fraser who is a director at the practice.

She was first diagnosed in 2017 and given the all clear after surgery.

The cancer returned earlier this year with breathlessness during a charity walk being among the earliest indications.

The team behind the campaign said: “Our window will get darker, but our community will get lighter," said the team behind the campaign.

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

“We wanted to create something that acknowledges the reality of cancer while reminding people that nobody faces it alone.”

Leanne Thorne, who is one of the organisers, thought she would be out for an hour when she went around the town asking for raffle prizes.

“People kept on giving prizes and we’ve got more than 100.

“I thought a target of £10,000 was high but I think we’re around £5,000 already.

“The community has been absolutely incredible with their support.”

In total more than 50 businesses gave prizes and Leanne was handed £20 by a customer in one of them.

To leave a note or take part in the raffle, drop into The Optical People in St Mary Street, Chepstow.