Organisers hail Radiomarathon efforts

THE 18th Radiomarathon has proven to be a resounding success yet again, as far as people’s contributions go.

The two-day fundraising event, held every year in aid of children with special needs, had garnered some £1.6 million at around 9pm last night.

The event wrapped up at midnight.

A total of 52 kiosks were open for donations while 12 piggybank cars were on tour to collect money.

The programme also included eight marches, as well as sports and other events.

Last year, the Radiomarathon raised a total of £1,750,000, the equivalent of approximately 2,992,500 euros.

The hard work and dedication of volunteers and public donations have helped raise more than £20 million since the Radiomarathon began back in 1990. It originated when a group of people envisioned the creation of single institution that would offer essential support and love to children with special needs.

Hundreds of volunteers contributed to the effort. Donning the familiar green shirts, bikers and motorcyclists visited as many villages of the island as possible during the two-day event.

Volunteers spoke in glowing terms about the public’s interest, as even young children turned up at kiosks to donate their pocket money.

“We hope that gradually we shall be able to shatter discrimination against children with special needs,” said First Lady Fotini Papadopoulou.

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