By Sue Steel – EFRAR Committee 2018 …
It is with some sadness that Mary Watson – Chair of EFRAR, Sue Steel the Vice Chair and Art Watson, a previous Chairman and still very active member of the team, announce that they will be leaving EFRAR in May this year.
In a joint statement they said “The Esentepe Fun Run and Ramble has been a significant part of our lives for the last 8 years. When George Roper and Alex Kennedy introduced the first event at Alkan’s Holiday Village in Esentepe, we had no idea how 
it would develop. George was diagnosed with colon cancer and received such financial and emotional support from Tulips – Help Those with Cancer that he wanted to contribute as much as possible to the charity and the first Fun Run was born. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer and passed away in June 2012.
Since then, EFRAR has grown to become one of the most successful fund raisers on the island. Thanks to our Committee, some of whom have changed over the years, we have run an increasingly successful Fun Run each year, together with events almost every month in local restaurants and bars.
Last year the EFRAR team raised over 144,000TL and in the last 7 years our total is just under 700,000TL. No one claims any expenses.
Of course, it is not just down to us. We have some great sponsors, many of whom have supported us every year. We are particularly grateful to the Carrington Group, our main sponsor, who provide the location, financial and logistical support and help to make sure that it happens on the day. Also, we could not achieve what we do without the support of Raziye Kocaismail and the Tulips Association who work closely with us to find creative ways of raising money.
There are so many bars and restaurants that are only too keen to host an event but give us a generous donation and, on the day of the Fun Run, the village of Esentepe turns out in force to man water stations, distribute medals and act as Marshals.
The Fun Run takes months of planning and is hard work but we have had so much fun. There is nothing quite like the excitement of waking up on the morning of the Fun Run and looking forward to a great family day of enthusiastic people, children, dogs, distributing medals and presenting trophies. And, of course, the cold glass of wine once the ceremonies are complete.
This year the Fun Run takes place at the Carrington Group Sea Magic 2 site on Sunday, 15th April and we hope as many people as possible will join us. It will be run much the same as in previous years with the addition of a 5k ladies only race. We are conscious that over the last 2 or 3 years more ladies have been encouraged to take up running, thanks to the Fun Run, and we wanted them to have the opportunity to take the credit for their efforts. We are also pleased to welcome an increasing amount of Turkish Cypriots each year.
Art Watson commented: “I first met George Roper and his wife Lesley in Esentepe and we very quickly became friends. We shared similar interests and we both had a passion for sport. Sadly towards the end of 2010 George was diagnosed with cancer and his relationship with Tulips – Help Those with Cancer and his battle to beat this dreadful illness emerged.
His commitment to support Tulips was relentless and he vowed to help them through fund raising events so he and Alex Kennedy founded and successfully organised the first Fun Run raising a very impressive 52,000 lira.
Shortly after the second Fun Run in June 2012 George’s battle against cancer finally ended but he was still working on new ideas a few days before he passed away, such was the determination of the man.
George’s favourite saying was ‘The Show Must Go On’ and indeed it has and it’s getting bigger and better every year.
I am proud to have made a small contribution to the success of the Fun Run and to have met so many interesting and charitable people along the way.
I have little doubt ‘The Show Will Go On’ George.”
We may be leaving but we know that EFRAR will continue to grow and be successful. So, we are looking for people who would enjoy the challenge of taking on the Fun Run and making it bigger and better in the future. Part of our decision to leave is based on the fact we now feel it is time for new ideas and creativity and we are confident that there are people out there who can do this. If you are interested please contact Mary Watson on our EFRAR 2018 FB page or email magicart@hotmail.co.uk.
E.F.R.A.R. 2018 supporting Tulips
Raising money for TULIPS (Help Those With Cancer)
