Running up that hill in support of Alkionides UK

I am running the Athens marathon again this year. Some of you are wondering why I am putting myself through that gruelling route again, and the answer is simple; to raise money for a good cause. And selfishly, I want to improve on my last time!

I am raising funds for Alkionides UK, a charity that whoever knows me well knows is a cause very close to me. Alkionides UK supports disadvantaged Cypriot patients who come to the UK for medical treatment by offering them and their families free accommodation, a ‘nest’, while here. We have supported patients with transportation and translation services and sometimes help them financially. In many cases, the medical treatment is life-saving and so specialised that it is unavailable in Cyprus. In most cases, the Cypriot government covers the cost of medical treatment with whom we work very closely.

The story of Alkionides started in 1998 in Cyprus, and in 2008 we established our UK branch. We have helped over 450 families since we started 14 years ago. Many of our patients return regularly for checkups, while others, unfortunately, have not been able to leave because they are on transplant lists. One of our patients has been on the liver transplant list for almost six years. The current 'nest' is in Finsbury Park, a large Victorian house with four double bedrooms. On many occasions over the last 14 years, we have additionally used hotels due to the demand and number of patients coming for treatment at any time.

In 2020 as the pandemic hit us, Alkionides launched an appeal to buy a property. We want the charity to have far more control and visibility of its costs in providing a permanent ‘nest’ and continuing to provide a safe and practical environment for the patients and their families. This will also allow us to expand our support to the UK Cypriot & Greek communities, which we currently support in emergencies on a case-by-case basis. We opened a branch in the Midlands to help patients and local families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. We also occasionally cover some of the fees for students from low-income families who want to study in the UK but cannot afford to cover the total cost.

All the money raised from my fundraiser will support the charity's work. The charity relies on volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and effort, with no reward, to help families facing severe financial and medical hardship. Alkionides UK works in close cooperation with welfare services and acts without delay. We pride ourselves on ensuring our costs are kept to an absolute minimum so the money raised goes to those who need it.

I know I've written an essay, but I'm hoping the passion for our work will inspire you to donate this year and support our dream of owning our own property! Any donation, big or small, goes a long way. Thank you!