Proceeds of ‘Norman’s Walk’ to be donated to children’s foundation

THE second Survive Beşparmak Mountain Challenge in memory of late cancer victim Norman Aitken is to be held over the weekend of October 6 and 7 to raise funds for combating the disease.

All proceeds from the event, also known as “Norman’s Walk”, will be donated to the Kemal Saraçoğlu Foundation for Children with Leukaemia and the Fight Against Cancer.

A choice of two tracks will again be available to entrants, with one described as “hard” and called Mouflons, while another — Mountain Goats and Kids — is said to be suitable for families and children. Although the route will not be announced until next week, it has been decided that participants will gather at a base camp to be set up at Oak Tree Park in Alsancak. Food and drink will also be provided by organisers who said that entry would cost 50TL for adults and 25TL for under-12s.

Last year’s inaugural challenge attracted 50 entrants, including children, when it took place as part of the Pink October breast cancer awareness month and succeeded in raising 5,183TL for the Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips).

Mr Aitken, a keen hiker who enjoyed walking in the Beşparmak mountains, passed away in 2017. Friends who established the challenge as a “fitting tribute” said he had loved the TRNC so much that he did not leave it once during the 14-plus years that he was a resident of the country.

More information on the Survive Beşparmak Mountain Challenge will be announced soon and those who wish to preregister can call 0533 869 3548.