Christodoula March

The Christodoula March is considered the largest cancer awareness campaign and drive to support the work of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society.

The first ever March took place in 1976, coinciding with a major effort to create a specialised medical care centre for cancer patients – the ‘Arodafnousa’ palliative care centre in Nicosia.

The March takes its name after a cancer patient - a woman by the name of Christodoula, an emblematic figure who breathed her last breath in the free part of Cyprus, having been chased away by the Turkish invaders and weakened by cancer.

Christodoula hailed from the Famagusta village of Ayios Memnonas. Driven out of her home, and very ill from cancer, she became a refugee. Christodoula arrived in Sotira, where she finally succumbed – both her soul and body battered – while sitting under an orange tree.

It was thanks to the invaluable archives kept by Dr Demetris Souliotis – Christodoula’s personal doctor – that her story became known. Souliotis is also credited with the idea of establishing a march in Christodoula’s memory.

A number of years ago, the Anti-Cancer Society was pleasantly surprised when it received a letter from Christodoula’s only granddaughter, who took the same name. Attached to the letter was a rare photograph depicting her grandmother, who had since become a symbol of hope for cancer patients.

Taking this opportunity, the municipality of Sotira decided to erect a new monument at the very spot where Christodoula passed away. The task was given to the well-known sculptor Philipps Yiapanis.

The Christodoula March has become an event marking social solidarity and moral support. It serves as a reminder of the struggle to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. The annual event is the Anti-Cancer Society’s main source of funding.

The Christodoula March is carried out in association with Bank of Cyprus, who undertakes the organizational and promotional expenses.

Sponsors

Bank of Cyprus is the main sponsor and supporter of the Christodoula March. The Bank has been a longstanding ally of the Anti-Cancer Society, supporting the March with financial means. Bank of Cyprus has linked its name to this effort to tackle cancer. Also supporting the drive are Coca-Cola, HBC Cyprus and McDonalds.

Supporters

Supporting the Christodoula March are municipalities, communities, sports clubs, political parties, banks, government departments, semi-governmental organisations, schools, churches, institutes of higher learning, supermarkets, private businesses etc.