NEPOMAK UK Members Take on Seven Sisters Charity Hike to Support Wood Green Cypriot Community Centre

NEPOMAK UK members take on Seven Sisters Charity Hike to support the Cypriot Community Centre

NEPOMAK UK members are gearing up for a challenging charity hike along the stunning Seven Sisters coastal route. Organised by NEPOMAK UK Committee Members Rico and Mary Joannou, this 13.6-mile (22 km) hike from Seaford to Eastbourne aims to raise funds for the Cypriot Community Centre, a cornerstone of the UK Cypriot community since 1979.
The hike will take place on Sunday 27th April.

The challenge
The Seven Sisters hike is a breathtaking but demanding route, featuring constant ascents and descents along the iconic white chalk cliffs of the Sussex coast. The group will take on this challenge with determination, high spirits, and even some traditional Cypriot dancing along the way!

Why we’re fundraising
The Cypriot Community Centre has been at the heart of the UK Cypriot community for over 40 years, providing essential services to elderly and vulnerable members.
The Centre’s key initiatives include:
• Essential services for the vulnerable – The Centre supports elderly, disabled, and housebound individuals through vital daily services that combat isolation and hardship. Its Luncheon Club offers affordable Cypriot meals in a warm, social setting, while the Meals-on-Wheels service delivers hot food and a friendly face to those who can’t leave home. Additionally, the Day Care Service provides tailored care, activities, and transport for those most in need – all powered by donations and community support.

• Diverse activities promoting community engagement – The Centre hosts a variety of activities catering to all age groups, such as free workout classes, Zumba, Kumon Maths and English sessions, Jiu-Jitsu, mothers and toddlers groups, traditional Cypriot dancing, yoga, drama classes, and more. These programs encourage physical health, cultural expression, and social interaction within the community.

• Preserving Culture and Heritage – The Centre is a living celebration of Cypriot culture – a place where traditions are not only remembered, but actively lived and passed on. From daily games of tavli/tavla and cups of traditional Cypriot coffee, to community events, dance classes, and cultural discussions, the Centre helps keep the spirit of Cyprus alive in the heart of North London. It’s where older generations reconnect with their roots – and younger ones learn to embrace them.

Funds raised from the charity hike will directly support these vital services and ensure the Centre can continue to be a home away from home for Cypriots in the UK.

How you can help
Every contribution makes a difference! Support the team by donating via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ccchike. All proceeds go directly to the Wood Green Cypriot Community Centre.

Quotes:
Rico Joannou, event co-organiser, said: “This hike is not just a physical challenge; it’s a way for us to give back to a community that has given so much to Cypriots in the UK. We hope people will support our effort and help us raise as much as possible for the Centre.”
Mary Joannou, event co-organiser, added: “The Cypriot Community Centre is a lifeline for so many. We’re proud to take on this challenge and raise funds to help it continue its essential work.”
Adrian Patsalos, President of NEPOMAK UK, said: “It is great to see young Cypriots come together, to support organisations that play a vital role on a day-to-day basis, to support the most vulnerable in our community. NEPOMAK UK continues its annual legacy of giving back to our community, to charities and to those in need via our events and activities. A massive thank you to all the volunteers involved in this initiative.”

Join us in making a difference!
Follow our journey on social media (@nepomakuk) and help spread the word. Every donation counts towards keeping the Cypriot spirit alive and supporting those who need it most.

About NEPOMAK
NEPOMAK is a global organisation connecting young overseas Cypriots in the diaspora, fostering cultural ties, and supporting community initiatives. Learn more at www.nepomak.org

Pictured: NEPOMAK UK Members at their last Charity Hike in September 2018