ALMOST 500 people have attended a charity night in support of cancer patients, organised by Help Those With Cancer Association, at the Meridan Grand in London last week.
The event which saw great support, welcomed honorable guests President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mustafa Akıncı, together with his wife Meral Akıncı.
Hosted at one of London’s most popular wedding, party and celebration venues, the Meridian Grand hosted the event also to TRNC London Representative Oya Tuncalı and her husband İhsan Tuncalı, Director of Help Those With Cancer Association, Raziye Kocaismail, directors of various community organisations and almost 500 guests.
The charity nights opening speech was made by Head of the Association Ayla Derya, where she spoke of her battle with cancer and how North Cyprus Cancer Patients Association supported her during that time.
Touching upon the reasons of the association being found Derya said: “To research the problems of cancer patients in the Turkish community, contribute support, find their translators of their own language and with psychologists help them with their problems.” She added that works have begun for the association to gain ‘Charity’ status in England.
Head of North Cyprus Cancer Patients Association, Raziye Kocaismail also gave a short talk where she also explained her previous battle with cancer and said: “I also had cancer and I beat it, I am proud of you Ayla Derya.”
England’s Cancer Patients Support Association Voluntary Head, Dr. Teoman Sırrı took to the stage and explained the aims of the association and gave information on how the first signs of cancer can be recognised in women and men.
Honored Head of the Association, TRNC London Representative Oya Tuncalı also spoke to guests and said: “I am so happy and pleased that Turkish Cypriots are aware of the support and help available and that they can pass this on to each-other as well.”
Finally TRNC’s First Lady Meral Akıncı, spoke where she praised Ayla Derya and Raziye Kocaismail, for their battle with cancer and succeeding in beating the illness. She wished England’s Helping Cancer Patients Association a happy 1st anniversary and said: “I believe that the association will be creating very beneficial and nice projects.”
Following the speeches, guests were entertained with mesmerizing performances by Inspirtion 2 dance group. Renowned Turkish singer Safiye Soyman together with her orchestra Anıl Gökçen performed a variety of her songs, an open auction also took place, several gifts were given from raffle competitions and ended with Safiye Soyman once again taking to the stage.
