COMMUNITY
The Republic of Cyprus Council of Ministers announced the changes to travelling to Cyprus this weekend, with the two stage plan which commences in June.
– The UK is not on the initial list of countries that will be opened for commercial flights in either phase A (from 9th) or B (from 20th June)
– So, until further notice only repatriation flights for Cypriot nationals/residents will be allowed into Cyprus from the UK
– Individuals on repatriation flights after 25th May will be tested on arrival & quarantined until results of the test are known. After that period they will need to self-isolate at home for 14 days
– For those who wish to be repatriated and haven’t done so already, please register on connect2cy.gov.cy/.
Those who will be repatriated from the UK after May 25th and until any new announcements, will undergo testing upon arrival in Cyprus. They will stay for 1 day, or for as long as it takes for the results to be known, at a designated place. Following on from this, all those whose results come back negative will go into self-isolation at their home for 14 days.
The nation’s Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said to begin with 19 countries will be allowed to enter Cyprus from June 9th which includes Greece.
The countries on the list for the first phase have some of the lowest coronavirus case and death rates.
The countries who will be allowed to fly into Cyprus from June 9th include Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic will all be allowed into Cyprus as part of the second stage from June 20th.
Visitors will have to test negative for coronavirus within 72 hours of their flight if they want to be accepted during the first stage.
However, from June 20, those holidaymakers from the initial 13 countries won’t have to take the test.
From Monday compulsory quarantine for those entering the country will end with people being allowed to self-isolate at home.
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio (LGR) has recorded a huge increase in listening figures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with other local, commercial and BBC stations across the UK, whilst some stations have reported double-digit increases in online listening in recent weeks, LGR has seen our figures more than triple!
London Greek Radio has recorded a significant increase in connected radio listening, with an average increase of 173% with the most notable growth over the Orthodox Easter weekend of 346%.
The figures suggest that people staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic seem to be listening to more radio rather than listening to music apps.
The numbers are from LGR’s online streaming platforms. Some of LGR’s biggest increases have been especially noted across morning and daytime programming – which suggests that people are keeping devices on when they would normally be heading out to work.
Pierre Petrou, Head of Programming for London Greek Radio said: “LGR has been the backbone for our communities for over 30 years and provides companionship and friendship. As a result, solid relationships are formed between the listener and presenter on the radio. During this crisis, our presenters aim to inform, update and entertain.
He added, “We have developed systematic programming which includes regular live updates from Cyprus, Greece and the UK. Understandably, our regular schedule has changed but it seems that people are welcoming this as we are working in partnership with organisations who are providing essential key services to the most vulnerable – from free food packages to ‘a listening ear’.
“We’re also aware that calls, texts and emails have increased, so I think there is a bit of a general rediscovery of radio and how important it can be at times like this.”
Siobhan Kenny, CEO of Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, said: “As the UK acclimatises to a new world of working from home and enforced isolation, radio proves its strength as a hugely valuable source of information, reassurance, company and, most importantly, fun. As one of the most trusted and accessible forms of media, it is perhaps no surprise that so many are tuning in right now.”
Article written by London Greek Radio
It’s been reported this week that 287 UK Cypriots have died in relation to Coronavirus.
The weekly Parikiaki newspaper which has continued to print it’s circulation during the pandemic have been providing regular updates. The latest figures were published as of 29th April 2020, however it is not known whether the deceased have died directly from Coronavirus or whether they had tested positive for the virus, but died of other causes.
The newspaper has contacted hospitals, churches, funeral directors, Turkish Cypriot media and community, plus requests for their weekly death announcements, and confirmed 287 UK Cypriots have died, with 51 deaths of UK Cypriots in the past week.
According to Parikiaki’s calculations the deceased are as follows:-
UK Greek Cypriots – 170, which includes a married couple and two brothers
UK Turkish Cypriots – 90
UK Maronite Cypriot – 1
All of the above are from the London area with 8 additional UK Greek-Cypriot deaths and 1 Turkish-Cypriot in Birmingham, 3 (from the same family) in Weston-super-Mare, 1 in Southend, 1 in Luton, 1 in Cheltenham, 1 in Lowestoft, 1 in Derby, 1 in Cambridge, 1 Greek-Cypriot and 1 Maronite-Cypriot in Liverpool, 1 in Glasgow, 1 in Newport, 1 in Leeds and 3 Turkish-Cypriots outside of London (awaiting details).
With 233,829 deaths worldwide, the above total of 287 UK Cypriot deaths equates to 0.12% of deaths globally and 1.07% of deaths in the UK.
Cyprus currently has 850 cases of positive tests for Coronavirus with 15 deaths and so far, 148 have recovered from the disease, (just over 17%).
In Greece, of 2,591 cases, 140 people have died and 1,374 have recovered, (just over 53% so far).
Globally, from the 3,304,140 who have tested positive for the disease, 1,039,055 have recovered and 233,829 have died. [Just over 31% recovery rate so far and 7% spot-on who have died worldwide.]
London Greek Radio (LGR) expresses our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those who have sadly died during the pandemic and continuing to work with various organisations to help and support our communities at this challenging time.
John Kyriakides, Chairman of LGR said, “The LGR family are working hard to keep listeners informed, entertained and updated during this unprecedented time. I am saddened to hear of so many deaths in our communities.”
Tony Jay, Managing Director for LGR added, “LGR will continue to promote cross-partnership initiatives to help our listeners and communities. Our work to communicate the help that is available is more important than ever because we all have a role to play in fighting this virus.”
London Greek Radio – working together with partners, businesses and organisations to support our communities.
#StayHome#SaveLives#StayTuned
Information credited and attributed to Parikiaki newspaper and www.worldometers.info
Figures correct at time of publication 01:15 on Friday 1st May 2020.
Article written by London Greek Radio
It’s been reported this week that 236 UK Cypriots have died in relation to Coronavirus.
The weekly Parikiaki newspaper which has continued to print it’s circulation during the pandemic have been providing regular updates. The latest figures were published as of 22nd April 2020, however it is not known whether the deceased have died directly from Coronavirus or whether they had tested positive for the virus, but died of other causes.
The newspaper has contacted hospitals, churches, funeral directors, Turkish Cypriot media and community, plus requests for their weekly death announcements, and confirmed 236 UK Cypriots have died, with 36 deaths of UK Cypriots in the past week.
According to Parikiaki’s calculations the deceased are as follows:-
UK Greek Cypriots – 140, which includes a married couple
UK Turkish Cypriots – 80
UK Maronite Cypriot – 1
All of the above are from the London area with 5 additional UK Greek-Cypriot deaths in Birmingham, 3 (from the same family) in Weston-super-Mare, 1 in Southend, 1 in Luton, 1 in Cheltenham, 1 in Lowestoft, 1 in Derby, 1 in Cambridge and 1 in Liverpool.
With 192,262 deaths worldwide, the above total of 236 UK Cypriot deaths equates to 0.12% of deaths globally and 1.26% of deaths in the UK.
Cyprus currently has 795 cases of positive tests for Coronavirus with 14 deaths and so far, 98 have recovered from the disease, (just over 12%).
In Greece, of 2,463 cases, 127 people have died and 577 have recovered, (almost 25% so far).
Globally, from the 2,754,506 who have tested positive for the disease, 762,128 have recovered and 192,377 have died. [An almost 30% recovery rate so far and just under 7% who have died worldwide.]
The 2,754,506 confirmed worldwide cases represents 0.035% of the world’s population who have been diagnosed with Coronavirus.
London Greek Radio (LGR) expresses our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those who have sadly died during the pandemic and continuing to work with various organisations to help and support our communities at this challenging time.
John Kyriakides, Chairman of LGR said, “The LGR family are working hard to keep listeners informed, entertained and updated during this unprecedented time. I am saddened to hear of so many deaths in our communities.”
Tony Jay, Managing Director for LGR added, “LGR will continue to promote cross-partnership initiatives to help our listeners and communities. Our work to communicate the help that is available is more important than ever because we all have a role to play in fighting this virus.”
London Greek Radio – working together with partners, businesses and organisations to support our communities. #StayHome#SaveLives#StayTuned
Information credited and attributed to Parikiaki newspaper and www.worldometers.info
Figures correct at time of publication 16:09 on Friday 24th April 2020.
Article written by London Greek Radio
LGR has teamed up with restaurateur, George Psarias, who has nearly 40 years of cooking experience to bring you a recipe every Monday for you to try one evening this week!
Tune in to Ligo Prin To Mesimeri 10am-1pm with Soulla Violaris every Monday to hear George’s latest recipe!
Click here to download this week’s recipe!
WEEK 149: 27th February 2023
TARAMOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 148: 20th February 2023
GLYKES KREPES (PDF File)
WEEK 147: 13th February 2023
KEIK ME AHLADIA KE SOKOLATA (PDF File)
WEEK 146: 06th February 2023
SARDELLES LADORIGANI STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 145: 30th January 2023
GIOUZLEMEDES ME FETA KE MYZITHRA (PDF File)
WEEK 144: 22nd January 2023
FAKORIZO PILAFI (PDF File)
WEEK 143: 16th January 2023
SAGANAKI TYRI (PDF File)
WEEK 139: 19th December 2022
CHRISTOUYENIATIKI YALOPOULA (PDF File)
WEEK 138: 13th December 2022
MELOMAKAROUNA OR FINIKIA (PDF File)
WEEK 137: 05th December 2022
KARYTHOPITA ATHINAIKI (PDF File)
WEEK 136: 28th November 2022
HIRINO KRASATO (PDF File)
WEEK 135: 21st November 2022
HIRINO ME FASOLIA (PDF File)
WEEK 132: 31st October 2022
FETA SAGANAKI ME MELI KE SOUSAMI (PDF File)
WEEK 131: 24th October 2022
KOUNOUPITHI AUGOLEMONO (PDF File)
WEEK 130: 18th October 2022
KOTOPOULO SOFRITO (PDF File)
WEEK 129: 10th October 2022
AFRATA TIROKOULOURA (PDF File)
WEEK 128: 03rd October 2022
HALLOUMOPITTA TOU TAPSIOU (PDF File)
WEEK 127: 26th September 2022
LAHANORIZO KOKKINISTO (PDF File)
WEEK 124: 29th August 2022
KOTOPOULO KOKINISTO (PDF File)
WEEK 122: 15th August 2022
SIROPIASTA GLYKA KEIKS ME FETA (PDF File)
WEEK 120: 01st August 2022
FETA SAGANAKI IN FILO ME SOUSAMI KE MELI (PDF File)
WEEK 119: 25th July 2022
GLYKIA STRIFTI KOLOKYTHOPITA ROUMELI (PDF File)
WEEK 117: 11th July 2022
REVITHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 107: 02nd May 2022
EKMEK KADAIFI (PDF File)
WEEK 106: 24th April 2022
YIOUVETSI (PDF File)
WEEK 105: 18th April 2022
TSOUREKI (PDF File)
WEEK 104: 11th April 2022
MANITARIA AFELIA (PDF File)
WEEK 102: 28th March 2022
FASOLADA (PDF File)
WEEK 99: 07th March 2022
LAGANA (PDF File)
WEEK 98: 28th February 2022
BOUYIOURDI (PDF File)
WEEK 97: 21st February 2022
SPETZOFAI PILORITIKO (PDF File)
WEEK 95: 07th February 2022
ARNAKI ME FASOLIA (PDF File)
WEEK 94: 31st January 2022
GALATOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 93: 24th January 2022
MOUJENDRA (PDF File)
WEEK 92: 17th January 2022
TYRI SAGANAKI (PDF File)
WEEK 91: 10th January 2022
FAKES SOUPA (PDF File)
WEEK 79: 18th October 2021
SIKO GLYKO TOU KOUTALIOU (PDF File)
WEEK 77: 04th October 2021
KOTOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 76: 27th September 2021
MELITZANOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 74: 13th September 2021
YEMISTA ME PIPERIES, NTOMATES KE RIZI (PDF File)
WEEK 71: 23rd August 2021
DEEP FRIED PASTRIES WITH CREAM CHEESE (PDF File)
WEEK 70: 16th August 2021
PRASORIZO (PDF File)
WEEK 69: 09th August 2021
KOUBES (PDF File)
WEEK 68: 02nd August 2021
SIAMALI CAKE (PDF File)
WEEK 66: 19th July 2021
MIDIA ME ASPRO XIRO KRASI (PDF File)
WEEK 65: 12th July 2021
KOLOKYTHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 64: 05th July 2021
RIZOGALO (PDF File)
WEEK 63: 28th June 2021
YIAOURTOPITTA ME SYROPI KE STAFIDES (PDF File)
WEEK 60: 07th June 2021
IMAM BAYILDI (PDF File)
WEEK 58: 24th May 2021
HIRINO ME PRASA (PDF File)
WEEK 56: 10th May 2021
HIRINES BRIZOLES ME FASOLIA GIGANTES (PDF File)
WEEK 53: 19th April 2021
GEMISTA MILA STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 52: 12th April 2021
NISTISIMES TOMATES YEMISTES (PDF File)
WEEK 51: 5th April 2021
MELITZANOSALATA (PDF File)
WEEK 44: 15th February 2021
CHONIA FILOY ME THIAFORA MOURA KE SALTZA ME VATOMOURA (PDF File)
WEEK 43: 08th February 2021
MELINTZANES YEMISTES (PDF File)
WEEK 42: 01st February 2021
AFELIA (PDF File)
WEEK 40: 18th January 2021
KOLOKYTHOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
WEEK 38: 04th January 2021
FAKES SOUPA (PDF File)
The year 2021.
The year 2020 (see below).
WEEK 37: 28th December 2020
VASILOPITA CAKE (PDF File)
WEEK 33: 30th November 2020
LOUKOUMADES ME MAYIA (PDF File)
WEEK 1: 20th April 2020
GALAKTOBOUREKO STO TAPSI (PDF File)
WEEK 2: 27th April 2020
GREEK KLEFTIKO (PDF File)
WEEK 3: 06th May 2020
SPANAKOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 4: 13th May 2020
ARNI YIOUVETSI (PDF File)
WEEK 5: 20th May 2020
SFOUGATO (PDF File)
WEEK 6: 27th May 2020
PSARI PLAKI (PDF File)
WEEK 7: 03rd June 2020
HTAPODI (PDF File)
WEEK 8: 10th June 2020
FAFOLADA (PDF File)
WEEK 9: 17th June 2020
VASOULLA’S STAPHIDOPITA (PDF File)
WEEK 11: 1st July 2020
PSARI SAVORO (PDF File)
WEEK 13: 15th July 2020
SPANAKORIZO (PDF File)
WEEK 14: 22nd July 2020
PSARI ME SELINO KE AVGOLEMONO (PDF File)
WEEK 16: 05th August 2020
KOTOPOULO ME PILAFI RIZI (PDF File)
WEEK 20: 02nd September 2020
MELITZANES KE TYRI STO FOURNO (PDF File)
WEEK 21: 9th September 2020
KARITHOPITA KAI ELLINIKO KAFE (PDF File)
WEEK 22: 16th September 2020
BIFTEKIA (PDF File)
WEEK 24: 30th September 2020
KOTOPOULO ME 40 SKORDA (PDF File)
WEEK 25: 07th October 2020
TOMATOKEFTEDES (PDF File)
Article written by London Greek Radio
The increasing daily death toll from Coronavirus has stunned the nation. The pandemic has caused widespread disruption to jobs, family life and individual liberty. Our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is currently fighting this dreadful disease.
The media and politicians alike suggest that we will need to call upon ‘The Dunkirk Spirit’ to see us through the crisis. It was said that the “Yorkshire flood victims showed the Dunkirk Spirit as they battled the rising water”. However, what does this really mean?
A brief look at the history does at least give us a startling perspective.
The renown historian, AJP Taylor famously wrote, “Dunkirk was a great deliverance and a great disaster but it might simply have been a great disaster”. Put bluntly, had Hitler not halted the advance of his Panzers at a critical point during the allied retreat, the miracle of Dunkirk would not have been possible. The term ‘Dunkirk Spirit’ would not exist.
Hypothetically, under these circumstances, “Dunkirk Capitulation” is a more appropriate epitaph as it is likely that the whole area would rapidly have been transformed into a giant POW cage.
As we know, for reasons which have never been convincingly explained, Hitler did halt his tanks, allowing the British and French to build a defensive perimeter around Dunkirk making mass evacuation possible.
More than three-hundred thousand British and French troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. But make no mistake – this was a collective effort. A brilliant feat of improvisation from our forces supported by a selfless rear-guard action from troops on the ground, notably the defenders of Calais and the French 12th motorised infantry division.
However, not everyone behaved as heroes and, like today, although most are observing social distancing, but not all, back then, some service personnel / civilians behaved selfishly.
Recently, Scotland’s chief medical officer has resigned after making two trips to her second home during the coronavirus “lockdown”. The chief medical officer had fronted television and radio adverts urging the public to stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS. However, it is the majority that create a collective spirit, not random individuals.
In 1940, private boat owners volunteered themselves and their vessels, (often just pleasure craft), to help with the evacuation. Their contribution was critical and is regarded, rightly so. with great pride. No doubt, in time, memories of the volunteers prepared to risk infection for the greater cause during the Coronavirus will attribute similar status.
After Dunkirk, Winston Churchill reminded the public, “wars are not won by evacuations”, but added, “there was a victory inside this deliverance which should be noted”. From this platform, based on a common spirit of defiance, Churchill was able to galvanise a nation to defend itself against invasion.
Of course, to varying degrees, this spirit was evident during the threat from the Spanish Armada and later Napoleon, although modern communication was not available then so the message would have taken time to circulate. Churchill had radio. Today our leaders have satellite TV, the internet and social media.
It is often said that the British are at their best when their “backs are to the wall.” There is truth in this. Unlike our cousins across the pond, we champion the underdog, celebrate near misses, honourable defeats, resistance against all odds, rarely sublime victory. At the defence of the mission-station at Rorke’s Drift, which was a courageous, yet defensive engagement, the ‘hero’ status was accorded to Captain Scott after failing to reach Antarctica ahead of his biggest rival.
Our sentimental attachment with the Second World War is another factor. A couple of weeks ago, H.M the Queen made a rare televised address to the nation in which she called on the country to “remain united and resolute”, and echoed the words of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime anthem, when she said “we will meet again.” I can’t imagine other world leaders resurrecting our memories from the war to boost morale.
We are told hundreds of workers in small laboratories across the UK are working to create a 21st century flotilla of little ships to avert Britain`s threatened Coronavirus Dunkirk by testing the nation’s frontline NHS workers. This is truly uplifting, but is it really a version of the Dunkirk Spirit?
I believe this reaction to be a trait which is intrinsically British, but not exclusively so. “Lest we forget” the Spartans gallant stand at Thermopylae against overwhelming odds, or the French defenders at Verdun.
We may very well be a softer society than the one our parents or grandparents inhabited, but our current plight and capacity to endure should be measured against our world of 2020, not 1940.
I joined in the hand-clapping for National Heath /social workers which, although pre-ordained by the media, showed the very best of British. In my street, (Heywood Road, Harrogate), people came together in a simultaneous act of appreciation. Whole families clapped and cheered, not only out of respect, but there was a real sense of ‘we are in this fight together – we will beat this disease together.’ Other countries have shown their appreciation in similar ways but it is unusual for the British to embrace a collective emotional outpouring of this kind.
We may very well still be influenced by past glories perceived or otherwise, but our special spirit remains intact. Whether this is a British characteristic or the Dunkirk Spirit remains to be seen, but it is nevertheless, something we will be increasingly reliant upon in the months to come.
Michael Janes
LGR Broadcast Journalist.
Article written by Michael Janes
The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, have compiled useful support information for our UK Cypriot diaspora and Cypriot nationals currently in the UK. This initiative is also supported by the Presidential Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus.
We will continue to update this page, so if you know a service that we should be including please let us know, by email: enquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk. Also, subscribe to our mailing by clicking here to get our regular updates.
London Greek Radio – working together with partners, businesses and organisations to support our communities.
Shopping/delivery support
If you are elderly, or vulnerable, and need help getting food or essential supplies, email us at enquiries@cypriotfederation.org.uk, or call us on 0208 4459999. We will put you in touch with a team of young volunteers, organised by NEPOMAK UK, who can help you.
Areas covered include North, Central & East London; Manchester; Canterbury; Colchester; Glasgow; Hertfordshire; Ipswich; Harlow; Bury St Edmunds Newmarket; Red Lodge; Kentford; Stansted; Bishop’s Stortford; Saffron Walden; Harlow; Buntingford; Hertford; Birchanger; and Newport. These areas depend on volunteer availability, so may increase as we find more volunteers. Please do check back if you cant see your area on the list.
More HERE
Article written by London Greek Radio
London Greek Radio is showing love to all our NHS workers by supporting #ClapForOurCarers this Thursday night.
This is something which affects us all, in London, whole of UK, and the World, the like of which has never been seen ever before.
The spread of coronavirus across the globe has forced us to stop doing things that for so long we’ve taken for granted…
Our favourite sports postponed, the Eurovision Song Contest especially Greek/Cypriot fans, the gigs/concerts of our favourite artists, our favourite restaurants, local businesses and community places, our Greek Orthodox Church services suspended.
We’re being asked to change a lot from our daily routine… social distancing, to self-isolate, in order to save lives.
The NHS heroes on the front-line deserve our recognition. The nurses, doctors, GP’s and carers for their ongoing hard work and fight against the virus. This is only the beginning of what looks set to be a challenging and difficult few months… we here at LGR want them to know, on behalf of you and everybody listening right now – how much they are appreciated… Which is why, this Thursday, we’re coming together, for them.
The hash-tag #ClapForOurCarers has been trending on social media in the last few days – and this Thursday – us here at LGR, along with the wider British public will be taking a minute out to ‘Applaud Our NHS Heroes’.
At 8pm on Thursday night – we’ll stop everything – to take a minute to put our hands together and make some noise for the doctors, nurses, carers, GP’s, pharmacists and all the NHS staff who are working hard to help those affected by coronavirus.
And we want you to join us – so, make sure you’ve got LGR on – this Thursday, at 8pm… turn your radio up and open your windows and front doors, stand on your balcony or in your garden and show your support.
Join us to create a wave of positivity for our friends in the NHS and let’s really make a difference – as we applaud our NHS heroes this Thursday at 8pm on LGR.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Cypriot leukaemia sufferers have 20% chance of a donor match help improve the odds for Stella.
Before Christmas, an urgent bone marrow appeal was launched for Stella Charalambous, a 45-year-old mother of one who has leukaemia. Among those spearheading the campaign to find her a blood donor match is her friend of 34 years, Naz Hassan.
The two, pictured above with another close friend Tina Agsti, are originally from North London, and while Stella and her family now live in Cyprus, the ladies have remained in close contact.
Stella’s appeal for a donor was initiated by Tina, who teamed up with Androulla Stylianou, head of the UK-based Leukaemia Cancer Society (020 8374 4821), a vital support organisation for numerous Greek and Turkish Cypriots seeking blood donors.
Stella’s friends quickly rallied round, sharing details of the appeal online and with ethnic community media. They have also distributed flyers and posters in North London, where there is a large Cypriot community, in a bid to drive up registration numbers and help find a donor for their seriously ill friend.
Their appeal is supported by British blood charity DKMS, which can arrange a mass swab testing session for groups, or they can send a special kit home for people to do their own swab test.
Currently, the odds of finding a match for Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, is very low due to the small number of people from both communities being registered on the global blood register. The two communities share similar genetic codes, making them highly suitable for blood donor matches.
“As a community, we need to pull together. People shouldn’t just read and ignore this appeal. We really have to help each other, as this illness can strike any of us at any age. So please take the (swab) test – your blood could potentially save a life,” urged Ms Hassan.
To help improve the odds of survival for blood cancer patients of Cypriot, Turkish, and Middle Eastern heritage, simply register online at dkms.org.uk for a cheek swab kit. It’s open to all UK residents who are healthy and aged between 17- 55 years of age.
The swab test itself is a painless, 30-second procedure. You use a cotton bud to rub on the inside of your cheek, which is returned to DKMS in a sealed bag. Its labs will do the necessary tests and add your details to the UK blood register, which is accessible to other blood charities worldwide. You only need to do the test once and it will cover you until you reach 55.
Where a match is generated, the process for donating stem cells is far easier and less invasive than previously, and there are no known health risks. You simply give blood, which is used for stem cell treatment of the patient with blood cancer.
The Leukaemia Cancer Society, Tel: 020 8374 4821.
Article written by London Greek Radio
Former LGR Presenter and Producer Costas Vorias sadly died on Monday 30th December 2019 in Larnaca, Cyprus. He was 60 years old.
Mr Vorias was a presenter during the 1980s and 1990s and started at London Greek Radio in 1986 before the station obtained its FM licence.
He coined the phrase on LGR, “Me tou Voria ta kimata sas stelnw xairetismata”.
Costas left LGR in 2002 and re-settled in Larnaca with his family.
He had served as Rentals Manager at Demorilo Holdings in Larnaca and studied “Radio and Media” at Enfield College in North London, graduating in 1989. He was schooled at ‘Pagkiprio Likio’ in his hometown of Larnaca.
The Vorias family have set-up a crowd-funding page called “We’re raising £1,000 to Give Costa the send-off he deserves”.
The page states, “As an alternative to sending flowers as a mark of respect, the family would welcome a donation to help give Costas the send-off and goodbye he deserves.”
Find out more here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/in-memory-of-costas
Tony Psilou, Managing Director of LGR said, “It’s always sad to hear news like this and there’s some comfort in knowing that Costas’ time at LGR was popular and his programmes were enjoyed by thousands.”
Costas leaves behind his wife, Katie, two children, Stamatis and Katerina, his brother, three sisters and extended family and friends, as well as his loyal dog, ‘Brando’.
Funeral details were confirmed for Saturday 4th January 2019 at Apostolos Varnavas Church in Kameres, Larnaca, Cyprus. The service will take place at 12.30pm.
London Greek Radio expresses their deep sorrow at Costas’ sad passing, and we express our sincere condolences to family and friends.
Photo credit: Costas Vorias Facebook, LGR Haringey studios, Radiomarathon
Article written by London Greek Radio
