Motorcyclists on ‘Tour of Love’

MOTORCYCLISTS across Cyprus have united for the 10th annual “Tour of Love” in an effort to raise money, and awareness, for children suffering with cancer.

The three day campaign, which ends tomorrow, is being organised by the “Make-a-Wish Foundation” of the Pancyprian Association for Children with Cancer and Related Diseases.

According to Maro Hadjichristophi, a member of the Association, close to €130,000 was collected in last years’ drive, adding that “Around 80 motorcycles will be taking part and we hope to raise the collected figure even higher this year; there are many cases of afflicted children and we want to be able to offer as much support as possible”.

Over the three days, motorcyclists and volunteers of the “Make-a-Wish Foundation” are stopping in towns and villages across the island, where representatives of local administrations, the church, associations, companies as well as individuals can make their donations to members of the organising Association.

The main objectives of the campaign are to raise public awareness regarding the multiple problems facing children suffering with cancer, and to financially aid the philanthropic project of the “Make-a-Wish Foundation”. The volunteering motorcyclists also want to pass on their own message: love for correct motorcycling and love towards suffering fellow human beings.

According to the Association, collected money will help fulfil the wishes of children suffering from various forms of cancer within the framework of the psychological support programme and financially assisting the families of the children. Hadjichristophi said: “We have offered support to around 600 families of cancer sufferers up to the age of 26, so far”. She also added that in Cyprus there are around 40-45 new cases of cancer patients up to the age of 18, every year.

The “Tour of Love” is covering Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia districts, as well as communities in free Famagusta and Troodos. The route will end in Nicosia, on Makarios Avenue, tomorrow evening around 8:30pm.

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