Money raised from swims presented to cancer charity

MONEY raised by two festive season charity swims has now been handed over to the beneficiaries.

The annual Creditwest Bank-sponsored Christmas Day swim, which was held this year on the beach at the Acapulco resort, brought in 13,775TL which included 2,000TL in sponsorship from Özyalçın Construction for just one of 17 hardy swimmers who braved the cold water.

A cheque for the total amount was presented to the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children with Leukaemia and the Fight Against Cancer by Çatalköy couple Barbara and Graham Fursman, who have organised the event for five years.

The foundation’s Suzan Gürel then presented a plaque of appreciation to Mrs Fursman, who said: “We are very happy with our achievement as we have raised more [money] with fewer people compared to last year’s swim. Next year we hope to make it even bigger.

“We would like to thank Creditwest Bank, the hotel, Özyalçın Construction and all the swimmers for their support and help in benefiting children in need.”

The foundation also thanked all those who had contributed to the event, proceeds of which will help meet the needs of children and families battling cancer, including costs such as school fees and social activities. Meanwhile, a total of 2,610TL raised by the third İskele Christmas Day swim was donated to the Help Those with Cancer Association (Tulips).

A delighted Chrissie Bara, who was the organiser, said: “After last year’s late cancellation [of the swim], there was a worry that this fairly new event would lose its impetus, but this was the best turnout yet and it was so heartwarming to see several nationalities having a great time together.“

Tulips will also benefit from the Chilly Dippers’ swim which took place on New Year’s Eve at the Fly Inn, at Lapta. Proceeds from that event will be handed over on Wednesday.