A group of 13 family members and close friends from Purley paid tribute to their much loved father, husband, brother, uncle and dear friend, Nickos Efthymiou, on the tenth anniversary of his death by completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge last weekend raising almost £3,000 for vulnerable children.
Nickos, who was always the life and soul of any social event and a respected Associate Director Pharmacist at a local NHS Primary Care Trust, passed away in July 2007 from colon cancer. During his life he cared a great deal about children and their welfare so his family chose to support The Children’s Society ever since.
Marking ten years since his death they wanted to honour his memory and decided to take on the Three Peaks Challenge and raise money for a cause he really cared about.
The team comprised a range of ages and abilities and they completed the 24 mile hike in 12 hours to support The Children’s Society’s work with young people affected by abuse, hardship and neglect. Together they have smashed their fundraising target and raised £2,944 so far.
Nickos’ daughters Nicole [23] and Tasmin Efthymiou [24], who were both bought up in Purley, tenderly remember their dad. Nicole said: “Although gone physically, our dad’s love and kindness can still be felt every day, which is testament to the amazing person he was. In his memory, we decided to do something that would challenge us but also raise some money for a cause very close to his heart.
“It was a very tough day, but I feel so proud of the whole group for their willpower to soldier on through the changing weather and tough terrain. We’re delighted that the money we have raised will go towards helping The Children’s Society and its important work.”
Reena Ruda, Challenge Events Co-ordinator at The Children’s Society said: “We’re so grateful to Nicole and her family and friends for coming together in this way and raising such an impressive amount towards our vital work. Vulnerable children and young people are at the very centre of what we do so this team deserves to be really proud of their achievement.”
The team’s main online sponsorship page can be viewed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nicole-efthymiou
Article supplied by Charlie Coombes
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