A PAPHOS man aims to cycle from Kato Pyrgos to Deryneia in May, raising €10,000 for charity, and he hopes the event will become an annual event by next year.
Paul Clarke praised the response from the public, which he said has already been overwhelming.
“The plan is to create a snowball effect, so that by next year everyone can join in a huge sponsored bike ride in all the towns across the island to raise money for charities,” said the 45-year-old British resident.
“The idea came about after too many beers and kebabs, after I had been wracking my brains, thinking of a way I could raise money for local charities.”
The money, which will be collected from this event, will be divided equally between the Friends of the Paphos Hospice and the children’s ward and cardiology unit at Paphos General Hospital. Clarke’s partner, Paphos-based contemporary artist, Kim Morris is in charge of organising the event and drumming up support.
Morris is hoping to attract business sponsorship, but as yet has had a lukewarm response. “We’re looking for a corporate sponsor, but as yet haven’t secured any. They would get their logo on Paul’s shirt, and on the sponsorship forms and collection tins. We would also include them in all our press releases.”
Clarke said individuals had been very generous and he hopes to raise €10,000 for the three charities.
“Kim was ill recently and Dr Aristos Georghiou, who is also the medical manager of the Friends Hospice, treated her. He was fantastic with Kim. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. I had an aunt who died recently, and that made me think even more about raising money to help.”
The doctor, who was awarded the 2008 Paphos Heart of Gold Award for his tireless work in support of the hospice, said Paphos residents had become increasingly aware of the hospice and its work.
”We see generosity on a daily basis. What Paul is doing is amazing, and I would like to thank him. It doesn’t matter how much money people give, the money is always very welcome,” he said.
Clarke is a soldier’s son and spent time here with his family when he was younger. He moved to Cyprus permanently two years ago, after working for 16 years at British Telecom. He now works as an administrator at Proact in Paphos.
The trip is about 240 miles long, and Paul aims to travel 60 miles a day to complete the journey in four days.
“There is an element of trepidation about the ride, that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, but I’m tenacious and I will get there even if I have to crawl,” he said.
The fundraiser recently started a new fitness regime to get him in shape for the challenge ahead. The new Paphos gym, ‘BRAIV’ has given Clarke two months’ free training.
Fundraising has already begun and the duo recently attended a cardio benefit, “Love your Heart” in Tsada, where they collected €1,000 towards the total. A number of other events are planned prior to the bike ride to help contribute towards the grand total
Sponsorship forms are available which can be emailed or posted to people should they like to collect on Paul’s behalf. The couple have also set up a special bank account, which may also be used for donations from overseas. People are able to make straightforward donations to sponsor Clarke’s ride, or can sponsor him per mile.
“If I managed to raise €10,000, I would be ecstatic and delighted,” he said, adding, “please give what you can in cents or euros, it all adds up.”
n Paul Clarke will be cycling from Kato Pyrgos following the coastline to Deryneia for the following charities, Friends of the Paphos Hospice, the children’s Ward and Cardiology Unit of Paphos General Hospital. The four-day event will take place from May 1-4. To find out more email: [email protected]
