Sovereign Base Area (SBA) police officers raised a total of €30,000 during the annual Cycle Challenge, they announced on Tuesday.

The money raised from the event on Saturday will be donated to the Cyprus Anti-cancer Society and to children’s charities One Dream, One Wish and Little Heroes.

The event, which was supported by Cyprus’ First Lady Philippa Karsera and SBA Administrator Peter Squires saw cyclists start at Ayios Nicolaos and finish 150 kilometres later at Curium in Episkopi, with a closing ceremony held at Curium theatre.

“Once again, we held a charity cycle ride, raising money to help Cypriot children with cancer and other life limiting conditions,” SBA police Chief Constable Chris Eyre, who took part in the cycle challenge himself, said.

“It is a privilege to work with such inspirational charities who do invaluable work every day.

“This is the fourth charity cycle ride we have held since 2019,” Eyre said.

Speaking after the event, on behalf of the three children’s charity organisations, George Penintaex also expressed his gratitude to the SBA police.

“Through the Cycle Challenge and the collection of money organised by the SBA police, very important wishes and desires of our young cancer patients will be fulfilled, in the context of a psychological support programme, and their families will be financially supported.”

Donations will continue to be accepted until the end of October.