London Greek Radio

Cypriot girl urgently seeks Bone Marrow Donor

A Greek-Cypriot girl from Edmonton, Stella Charalambous, is in desperate need of a bone marrow donation. The Cypriot community, are asked to support and participate in a planned sampling to find a compatible bone marrow donor for Stella Charalambous, a Cypriot from North London, with roots in the Cypriot village of Argaka, who is facing a serious battle against leukaemia.

Sampling to find a compatible donor is being scheduled on Sunday 31st March 2019 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 2 Logan Road, Edmonton, London, N9 0LP from 11am to 3pm. Sampling will be carried out by means of ‘coating’ (taking a sample of your saliva).

If you are free on this day, aged between 17-55 and in good health please pop down and spare 5 minutes of your time.

Supported by The Leukaemia Society.

The former Love Island and Celebs Go Dating contestant Michael Thalassitis has been found dead aged just 26.

The reality TV favourite, affectionately nicknamed Muggy Mike, was found in a park near his childhood home in North London.

Scotland Yard officers said they found the body of a man in his 20s hanged in a park in Edmonton on Saturday. A spokesperson said: “Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.

“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a man, aged in his 20s, deceased.

“At this early stage, the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Police are in the process of informing the man’s next of kin. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The news of his death comes just months after his best friend Danny Cutts passed away, with further reports suggesting he had been grieving his late grandmother. The reality TV star had moved in with the 94-year-old after her deteriorating health meant she needed a full time carer.

He achieved fame on the 2017 series of Love Island and was also a semi-pro footballer.

Born in Edmonton, the British Cypriot played for a range of teams including Ebbsfleet United, St Albans, Chelmsford, Welling United, Stevenage and Margate.

His most successful spell during his sporting career when he played for Stevenage and represented the Cyprus national team and during the 2012/13 season, he scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Boreham Wood.

The reality star was due to open his own restaurant, with reports suggesting the unveiling would be next week.

He also appeared on the reality show Celebs Go Dating in 2018. He split from The Only Way Is Essex star Megan McKenna late last year.

After the island Mike signed up to appear in the fourth series of Celebs Go Dating alongside Gemma Collins, London Hughes and Sam Thompson.

His last Twitter post on March 8 was a fundraising plea to help former football pal Spencer McCall battle cancer.

He posted a shirtless picture on Instagram earlier this month, advertising a prize for followers.

We at London Greek Radio would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Katerine Duska will be flying the Greek flag for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv this May. Greece compete in the Eurovision First Semi-Final…

Greek broadcaster ERT have confirmed that the Greek-Canadian singer/songwriter, born in Montreal and currently residing in Athens, will sing the song ‘Better Love‘. The self-penned tune is co-written with Leon of Athens and David Sneddon.

Katerine describes her music as alternative producing indie pop, indie folk, and neo-soul.

Greek ERT TV bosses set-up a working committee to choose the act for this year. The  song was recorded in London with producer Phil Cook, who’s credited with working with, Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs, Callum Scott and Dua Lipa.

The panellists felt that Katerine’s “unique”, impressive metallic vocal, coupled with the “modern” song choice were right for this year’s entry.

The working committee comprised of chairman Dimitris Papadimitriou, Artistic Director of the Greek entrant in Tel Aviv, Adam Petros (Music Producer), Fotis Apergi (Journalist), Gianni Petridi (Music Producer), Maria Koufpoulou (Director of International Relations ERT) and Sofia Dranidou (Head of European & International Affairs – International Relations ERT).

“Officially representing Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest this year! Honoured, humbled and insanely psyched! Let’s do this!”

She told Greek TV, (translated) “It is a competition which embraces various musical genres and trends; it’s unpredictable results-wise. Being asked to do so this with a song I wrote myself is a crucial thing.”

Katerine studied law at the Kapodistrian University of Athens only to realise that music was what she actually wanted to pursue professionally.

Katerine studied classical guitar at the Music Academy, as well as singing under the guidance of eminent vocal coach Eleni Melissidi.  A background in classical music with studying and interpreting Arias and Lieder by Verdi, Mozart and Schubert, to modern jazz, has a strong allegiance to music, whatever form it takes.

Katerine rose to indie star status in 2014 with the hit, ‘One in a Million’ and her cover of the Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know”, reaching over one million views on YouTube.

Her 2015 debut album ‘Embodiment’ won critics over with the lead track “Fire Away” featuring prominently in a Nescafe Canada advertising campaign.

Her “trademark soulful rasp” has earnt comparisons to the late Amy Winehouse and it’s believed that she’s probably the first-ever Greek soulful artist, to hit the Eurovision stage.

Greece competes in the Eurovision first semi-final which airs on Tuesday 14th May at 8 pm GMT.

Hopefully, we will see Katerine’s progression to the grand final which is broadcast on Saturday 18th May.

For all of your Eurovision news on Greece, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune in LGR to hear ‘Better love‘ in the coming weeks.

London Greek Radio wish Katerine and the Greek delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

LGR Events Presents Rempetika & Laika Night…

LGR Events Presents A Night with Rempetika and Laika, on Friday 15th March 2019, at the Cypriot Community Centre. The line-up is George Gregoriou aka LGR’s Kokis, Nikos Savvides, Giorgos Yerasimos, and Anna Sopiadou who is coming all the way from Greece will be entertaining us on the night.

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Join us at the Cypriot Community Centre, Earlham Grove, Wood Green, London, N22 5HJ.

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Admission £20, with souvlakia included.

For more information and tickets please call London Greek Radio on 0208 349 6950!

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In 2019, our time has also been spent putting together events, such as this one, where all members of our community could come and celebrate our culture together.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

This event is sponsored by Aspris & Son, wine, beer and spirits merchants; Hellenic Bakery and Hellenic Gourmet; Sarrani, experts in property insurance repairs; Varosi Lettings and Estates, with guaranteed rental scheme.

The Cypriot Community Centre presents a fundraising evening – A tribute to Elvis performed by George Elias – on Saturday 30th March 2019 at its premises at Earlham Grove, Wood Green, London N22 5HL.

Tickets £25 – includes a 3 course meal. Get yours now by calling 020 8881 2329 or email: cycc6363@gmail.com.

George Elias is a full-time professional ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist). His respect for Elvis and his vocal authenticity and repertoire are phenomenal.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see George perform Elvis’ songs with great passion!

And of course fundraising proceeds will go to the Cypriot Community Centre to help them continue their wonderful work, within the wider community.

Cypriot scientist Dr Antonis Antoniou has led a team of researchers who have developed a potentially “game-changing” test to predict a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

The new study combines information on family history and hundreds of genetic markers with other factors, such as weight, to give the most comprehensive assessment possible, notes Cancer Research UK.

Some GPs and specialists are trialling the prediction tool as part of a plan to spot cancers earlier through tailored screening.

Women at high risk could be given preventative treatments or offered more checks, note the researchers.

A potentially ‘game-changing’ innovation for predicting a woman’s risk of breast cancer has been unveiled.

Scientists have analysed hundreds of genetic markers and lifestyle factors together to come with a method said to be the most comprehensive yet.

The research aims to help doctors identify patients at the highest risk and lowest risk of developing the disease.

Those who are considered to be more likely to develop breast cancer can then be given preventative treatments or offered more screening.

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK, with nearly 55,000 women diagnosed every year.

Cancer Research UK says a large proportion of those cases occur in people who are at an increased risk.

Led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the risk factor study has produced an online calculator for GPs to use in their surgeries that is currently undergoing testing.

Professor Antonis Antoniou from Limassol, lead author at the university’s Department of Public Health and Primary Care, said: “This is the first time that anyone has combined so many elements into one breast cancer prediction tool. It could be a game changer for breast cancer because now we can identify large numbers of women with different levels of risk – not just women who are at high risk.”

The system combines information on family history and genetics with other factors such as weight, age at menopause, alcohol consumption and use of hormone replacement therapy.

More than 300 genetic indicators for breast cancer are taken into account, making risk calculation much more precise than ever before.

Prof Antoniou said: “This should help doctors to tailor the care they provide depending on their patients’ level of risk. For example, some women may need additional appointments with their doctor to discuss screening or prevention options and others may just need advice on their lifestyle and diet.

“We hope this means more people can be diagnosed early and survive their disease for longer, but more research and trials are needed before we will fully understand how this could be used.”

This innovative testing is shining new hope on the disease. Over 2 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the year 2018, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in both women and men worldwide.

Dr Antoniou is an accomplished scientist who studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as the University of Cambridge before earning his PhD in Genetic Epidemiology at Cambridge in 2001.

He has taught in the field of cancer risk prediction since 2013. The main focus of his research involves the development and trial of statistical modelling techniques for addressing clinical questions and the development of risk prediction tools.

His latest breast cancer tool, made possible by the recent advances in genetics, will soon be used in clinical practice by doctors all over the world.

Singer Tamta, has officially recorded the Cypriot entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest at studios in Stockholm, Sweden.

She will sing ‘Replay‘, described as an up-tempo pop “banger”, at the 64th annual contest in Tel Aviv this May.

Georgian-Greek singer, Tamta Goduadze, 38, was announced as CyBC’s artist to represent Cyprus last December, officially instigating the Cypriot ‘well-drilled’, organised Eurovision machine quite early this year.

The song’s composer Alex Papaconstantinou AKA Alex P, was the man behind Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’ – last year’s impressive runners-up position in the competition.

He has been assisted by Sweden-based songwriters Teddy Sky, Viktor Svensson, Kristoffer “Bonn” Fogelmark and Albin Nedler.

The songwriters have penned hits for some of the biggest-named artists in music such as One Direction, Mark Anthony, Demi Lovato, Avicii, MO, 5SOS, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Arash and more.

Tamta told Cypriot TV, (translated) “I’m going to (sic.Tel Aviv) without forecasting what position Cyprus will achieve. I hope that what we will present on stage will make you proud. I’d like to thank everybody for their support and hope that you stand by me on this wonderful Eurovision journey.”

Tamta revealed that she felt that the tune complimented her signature pop-style credentials and she was impressed with the creative team behind the track, which convinced her to fly the Cypriot flag in the competition.

She is soon to start filming the official music video to the Eurovision track this month.

The release date for the Cypriot tune is confirmed for March at the earliest, which enhances the fans’ excitement even more.

Cyprus competes in the Eurovision first Semi-Final on Tuesday 14th May at 8 pm GMT.

For all of your Eurovision news on Cyprus, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune in to hear “Replay” on LGR in the coming weeks.

London Greek Radio wish Tamta and the Cypriot delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

Cyprus’ Eurovision Entry for 2019 Confirmed (click here for more Eurovision news) 

‘Replay’ team, from left to right, Alex Papaconstantinou, Viktor Svensson, Teddy Sky, Tamta, Kristoffer “Bonn” Fogelmark, Albin Nedler (picture)

Christina Ellinas has wowed the judges with her performance to ‘Lullaby’ by Sigala ft Paloma Faith in her audition on The Voice UK.

The third instalment of the series last weekend saw Tom Jones heap praise for the singer.

Before auditioning, the 27-year-old former flight attendant told viewers she was “Greek Cypriot” and her beaming smile and bubbly personality clearly made a good impression on the studio audience.

Christina was born in Liverpool and lives in London. She has performed in several pubs in Camden, singing acoustic covers of big names in the industry, such as Whitney Housten, Rita Ora, Coldplay and Zayn Malik.

On last week’s show, she only required one judge to “turn around” in order to make it through to the next stage of the competition, but Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Olly Murs all turned around!

Olly Murs in his performance reaction to Christina said, “That was amazing. Fantastic audition. I love your voice, love the energy, I love looking around and seeing the place feel alive.”

Tom Jones commented: “I love what you did (with your voice) your in control of that song. I couldn’t find any fault with you at all.”

Christina chose Will.i.am as her coach, who she once met on a flight she was working on.

Will.i.am recollected “The year 2012 or 13…” when he met Christina at the airport lounge. That for sure is a pretty happy coincidence.

Christina was supported by her grandmother in the ‘holding area’ with hostess Emma Willis.

Grandma appeared delighted at seeing Christina’s progression to the next round.

Christina mentioned on the show that she enjoyed cooking Cypriot dishes with her grandma.

The singer plays the piano and has an Official Facebook and YouTube channel.

London Greek Radio wishes Christina the best of luck in the talent show.

Tamta Goduadze will represent Cyprus at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv in May.

The Cypriot broadcaster CyBC announced the female artist and song a few weeks ago, ending weeks of speculation.

Tamta will sing ‘Replay‘, a pop-dance, up-tempo number.  Her entry is penned by Greek-Swedish hitmaker Alex Papaconstantiou, aka ‘Alex P‘, the man behind Eleni Fouriera’s ‘Fuego’ – the impressive runners-up from last year, along with Sweden-based songwriters Teddy Skye, Viktor Svensson, Kristoffer “Bonn” Fogelmark and Albin Nedler.

Tamta, 38, was born and raised in Georgia, where she started singing at the age of five and moved to Greece at the age of 20.  After singing on a TV reality talent contest, she was signed by a major record label in Greece and has a back catalog of several hits.

The sure-fire Eurovision track is believed to be exactly moulded for Tamta’s signature pop-style credentials.

CyBC chiefs felt that Tamta was right for this year’s contest as she is perceived earnestly to have the “complete package” that comprises of a strong ‘live’ singer and entertaining act.

The Cypriot tune will be officially released in February or March, further maximising Eurovision fans excitement.

Cyprus also returns with Eurovision artistic stage director Sacha Jean-Baptise, the woman behind ‘Fuego’.  She will be tasked with elevating Tamta’s stage routine ensuring that it will translate into points on the scoreboard.

The Head of the Cypriot delegation, Evi Papamichael explained that a big named artist would be a necessary solution to answer the Eurovision’s competitiveness, amidst so many countries, which numbers 42 this year.  She said that Tamta was the broadcaster’s preference this year.

Tamta has had a long-time quest to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest and almost came close to achieving it on previous occasions.  In 2007 Tamta was pipped to the post by Cypriot singer Sarbel, in Greece’s Eurovision heat stages, with the ballad ‘With Love’.  In 2016, she missed the deadline for the Greek selection process by a few hours with the subsequently-released track ‘Unloved’.

Tamta felt it an incredible honour to be representing Cyprus, a nation which has always strongly supported her music endeavours and undertaking this bold task, was a way of her giving something back to her Cypriot fan-base.

Having released four studio albums (including a Best Of) and multiple hit singles, Tamta is frequently heard on the LGR airwaves.

For all of your Eurovision news on Cyprus, make sure you regularly check back to lgr.co.uk and tune in to hear “Replay” on LGR in the coming weeks.

London Greek Radio wish Tamta and the Cypriot delegation the very best of luck in the competition.

British Cypriot Dr Costakis Evangelou (Head Coach) is awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to young people in North London.

He has been the head coach at Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club for several years who were honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Club which runs boxing and mentoring sessions at its club base in Edmonton and in schools and youth organisations was one of only 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this award.

And prior to that, Head Coach Costakis Evangelou was honoured with the Jack Petchey Foundation Leader Award for his work in coaching and mentoring the young in North London.

Costakis Christos Evangelou was born in Cyprus in Patriki Famagusta in 1958 Father’s name in Christos Evangelou from Phlamouthi Mother’s name Photou Evangelou from Patriki and Came to England London in 1960 to live in North London. He attended Primary Schools: Grafton School. Tufnell Park School. Secondary School was Archway School. He has four Children 3 sons 1 Daughter – Phodis, Andreas, Christopher and Marisa.

He has run 4 London Marathons raising over £30,000 for charity Qualifications include; Batchelor Of Divinity; Post Graduate Certificate of Education; and a Doctorate in Divinity. He has for over 30 years has dedicated his life to the selfless service of others. As a minister, community leader and humanitarian he works tirelessly and gives sacrificially for the benefit of others.

He is the President of Community Heart (London), a registered charity set up to help and support the local community, especially the young and vulnerable. As President, he oversees the running of several groundbreaking projects including, Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club, Running with the Vision – Youth Football, Youth Zone Youth Club and Sign Post, a project that feeds and helps support the homeless and vulnerable.

As the Head Coach and Honorary Secretary of Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club, he has worked tirelessly to help turn it into one of the leading sports and youth projects in North London as he oversees and runs all the different aspects of the Club’s work. Based in a part of Edmonton which is one of the most socially and financially impoverished areas in England the Club is turning around many young people’s lives with over 250 young people benefitting from the different sessions, many of which are free, it provides over 6 days a week. It runs boxing and mentoring programmes for schools, behavioural units and youth clubs and women who have suffered or witnessed domestic violence.

He has also set up a referral process with the youth offending team where their clients can attend as part of their positive activities.

As well as winning numerous awards, in 2015 the Club won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognising its work in helping young people leave behind negative and destructive lifestyles. His ecclesiastical work and humanitarian work is extensive; he has carried out a number of humanitarian missions to Africa.

In 2004 he travelled to an isolated community in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Negotiations with the Chief of the area resulted in the granting of a piece of land for the building of a medical clinic. The clinic was desperately needed by this community of 4000 people who had no other access to medical care.

To help raise much of the funds required for the building of the clinic Archbishop ran the London Marathon twice. As many as 500 people receive medical treatment at the Centre each month.

He continues to visit the Clinic to receive a personal update on the progress and work of the Centre and its subsequent impact it has made on the community as a whole and to continue to provide equipment and medical supplies. His membership and involvement with Churches Together in England (CTE), gives him the opportunity to work with the multi-cultural and denominationally diverse churches in England.

He has attended and lent his total support to the modern day slavery meeting in the House of Lords.