Cyprus Mail 17 November 2020 - by Evie Andreou
On Thursday, Sofocleous will go on the first trek, the ‘Purple march’ in which he will pass through various municipalities of the Nicosia district to raise funds for the association of cancer patients and friends (Pasykaf).
He also invites people to join him in his walk and contribute €10 for their participation which will go to Pasykaf.
Sofocleous came up with the idea of these charity walks after realising that charity organisations are also struggling to survive due to the pandemic.
“Especially now that the whole planet is dealing with coronavirus, we have neglected our fellow humans who have been struggling for years with various health conditions,” Sofocleous told the Cyprus Mail.
“I consider offering help and empathy in any way anyone can, a humble duty,” he said.
The first walk will take place on Thursday.
Sofocleous will start at noon from the Lakatamia town hall and will walk to that of Engomi, and from there to the Ayios Dhometios town hall, then to the health ministry, the Nicosia municipal theatre, the Cyprus Museum, parliament, and to various other stops before he finishes at the Presidential Palace.
Throughout, Sofocleous will be collecting money.
Sofocleous, who last February walked around 740 kilometres in 29 days by walking Cyprus’ coastline wants to promote well-being, the balance between good mental and physical health.
The restrictive measures currently in place and up to the end of November as regards the ban on travel to the districts of Limassol and Paphos have not affected his plans, he says, as he does not plan to head that way until next month.
Next week, on November 25, Sofocleous will march from Athienou to Pyla to collect funds for the association supporting patients with Alzheimer’s.
He is planning a march in Limassol for the association supporting children with ADHD on December 6, and another one after that, also in the same district for the Centre of Preventive Medicine.
Sofocleous, who pledged to continue his walks “for as long as necessary”, invites people to join him in legs of all his walks, by observing all protective measures, and make a small donation to the charities he is supporting each time.
His walks are under the auspices of Volunteerism Commissioner Yiannis Yiannakis.
More information on Sofocleous’ weekly walks may be found at: https://www.facebook.com/CyprusStepbyStep
