Annual anticancer campaign kicks off

The Anticancer Society on Tuesday launched its 47th annual fundraising campaign in support of its palliative centres for cancer patients that will culminate with the Christodoula march on April 17.

The march will return this year after a two-year pause as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, during which Anticancer Society staff participated in symbolic marches.

“Despite the difficulties brought about by the pandemic, they continued to offer palliative care services to thousands of patients with a cancer history,” the society said.

The Christodoula march, in all districts, will be the culmination of a fundraising campaign that began on Tuesday to support the Anticancer Society’s services and staff.

Kiosks have been set up around the republic, where hundreds of volunteers will collect donations from the public. On April 14, donations will also be collected from motorists.

Anticancer Society board chair Adamos Adamou called on the public to participate in the marches and support those fighting cancer.

“The donations collected during our campaigns allow us to operate, but also upgrade our services, which we have been offering for free to cancer patients and their families for over 50 years,” he said.

On April 17, Christodoula marches will start at 10.30 in the morning, setting off from the Arodafnousa palliative care centre in Nicosia, the beachside promenade (Molos) in Limassol, Phinikoudes beach in Larnaca, Dherynia municipality in Famagusta, and Paphos municipality in Paphos.

The Bank of Cyprus (BoC), the main sponsor of the campaign, will offer support through its SupportCY network, donating €0.05 to the Anticancer Society for any transaction made through the Antamivi rewards scheme.

“The fight against cancer needs allies, supporters, it needs united forces for a common goal,” BoC HR manager Irene Gregoriou said, adding that the message of this year’s campaign is ‘Give strength to those fighting for life’.

“Together, we are fighting to beat cancer, for the patients and for research”.