Bases Police Cycle Challenge raises €30,000

The annual British Bases Police-led Cycle Challenge took place for the fourth time on Sunday, with organisers expecting to raise EUR 30,000 for the Cyprus Anticancer Society and children’s charities, One Dream, One Wish and Little Heroes.

The event, which was supported by the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) First Lady Philippa Karsera and SBA Administrator Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires, saw cyclists start at Ayios Nicolaos and finish 150 kilometres later at Curium in Episkopi.

The cyclists passed through districts in the RoC and SBAs - Famagusta, Larnaca and Limassol ended with a closing ceremony at Curium Theatre.

SBA Police Chief Constable Chris Eyre, who took part in the cycle challenge, explained the importance of the event.

‘’Once again, we held a charity cycle ride, raising money to help Cypriot children with cancer and other life-limiting conditions.

‘’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, and each year I am humbled by the communities and businesses across Cyprus who give so generously to support the charities and change the lives of children in need.

‘’I am inspired by the SBA officers and community partners who spend months planning to make the event possible’’.

Speaking on behalf of the three Charity Organisations, George Penintaex, from One Dream, One Wish, said:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the authorities of the British Bases in Cyprus for their altruism and offer to children and young people suffering from various forms of cancer, regardless of nationality, religion, skin colour, financial and social status.

“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 program, and their families will be financially supported.”

SBA Police officers also collected donations from surrounding schools within the Bases and the Republic.

During the collections, students presented a variety of arts and crafts and dancing and singing, all related to child cancer and cycling.

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