Calis Beach Forum => Calis Local Charity Announcements => Topic started by: kayakebab on July 22, 2014, 07:22:03 AM
Title: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on July 22, 2014, 07:22:03 AM
I'm sure everyone is aware of Race for Life in the UK, and the millions of pounds that are raised every year for cancer research.
This year George's ( Rimms ) lovely wife Chris decided to take up running. A few weeks ago her daughter in law Dawn was doing Race for Life in the UK, so on the same day Chris decided to run 5k here as moral support.
Well, nothing's a secret here, so a few of us, in fact over 50, got together and walked or ran with her and money raised was sent to Dawns Just Giving page.
Anyway, one thing led to another and George being a man of great ambition and vision got thinking about whether we could make this an annual event and raise money here to help beat cancer.
Meetings have taken place with the relevant people and the fantastic news is that on APRIL 19th 2015 the FIRST EVER OFFICIAL RACE FOR LIFE TURKEY will take place in Fethiye.
So, what next?
A team is currently being out together to organise everything. We will need lots of different skills and volunteers before, and of course during the event, whether walking running, hobbling, staggering after a night on the Efes, doesn't matter, the main thing is to take part, and raise money here in Fethiye to beat cancer.
George is in the process of talking with hospital consultants to establish what is here already and what we could do to help. As far as we know there is no cancer research charity per se here, so it maybe that we fund screening equipment, a particular type of cancer treatment, who knows, it's early days and all so exciting!!!
So watch this space.... We are the little acorns who will become the mighty oak tree, with everyone's help and support, we could even find this oak tree spreading across the whole country, who knows!
Kevin Rowe is currently doing 10 week training programmes and is confident he can train ANYONE to run 5k. Some have started, early on Saturday mornings and from the photos it looks like everyone's doing so well.
I haven't started yet, I damaged my toe and subsequently have lost the nail after a confrontation with the door in TEB bank, so just remember, banking is far more dangerous than running!
Our slogan :
WALK IT, RUN IT, BEAT IT!
PLEASE PM If you have skills that you feel you could offer to help or give advice for organising this event, as you can imagine, there's lots to do, from health and safety, to signing up runners, recruiting Marshall's, the list is huge and more will be posted as and when.
George will hopefully expand on this, and we will keep you updated along the way on all aspects of this exciting project.
Title: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on July 27, 2014, 13:01:39 PM
Somebody extremely important wants to participate and is unable to do 19th April. So the date has now been changed to facilitate this VIP. The new date is now 12th April 2015. Mustafa Sikman, Honarary Consul and his colleague Erturk have been so supportive and we have now officially got the go ahead to operate legally under FETAV.
Lots of planning and ideas going on behind the scenes. Thanks to those who have come forward to volunteer their services.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: yabanci on July 27, 2014, 14:38:03 PM
Is Reg coming down to run Linda?? ;)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on July 27, 2014, 15:25:11 PM
Not quite...
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on August 18, 2014, 17:56:31 PM
Is it too late to change it to this type of event :) :) :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Rimms on August 18, 2014, 18:54:04 PM
Sorry, I missed this post Linda or would have commented earlier. Turkey is a developing economy which brings it's own set of problems, cancer rates here are on a sharp rise, in fact by this time next year, 176,000 people who feel fit and healthy today will have been diagnosed with the disease. If you just break that down to our area of Fethiye, that will be 200 people who receive what may be life changing and potentially devastating news just in the next 12 months.
The Turkish ministry of health predict that "unless nothing is done to slow this increase, by 2030 today's rate will double"
So as Linda described, our fun run earlier this year went down pretty well at what was extremely short notice and a very early start time and so the thought was, can we introduce this event to the wider population of Turkey and make it resonate with Turkish citizens?
Following discussions with FETAV, who love the idea, we visited the only cancer doctor available here in the Devlet hospital, I was really alarmed to hear that patients (who can afford it) have to travel to Antalya, Izmir or Istanbul for things like colonoscopy tests, something that's routine and taken for granted in the UK. He then took us into the chemotherapy suite, a grey and depressing looking room and showed us the machine which is used to make the medicine which was described as "old technology" my eye was drawn to one obviously unwell gentleman who was hooked up to his intravenous treatment and his wife was on her knees in front of him holding his hand tightly, I could see her just willing and praying for this last chance treatment to work. So there became our mission to refurbish and hopefully replace the machine so that future patients receive the best possible chance.
Many of us have been involved with some great charity initiatives here, but most are run by expats and by enlarge supported by expats, if we follow the same model then I'm afraid we will fail. Race for Life (Turkey) must be seen as an event for Turkish Citizens where expats are very welcome to join in and not the other way around. To put this in perspective, if we can appeal to just 1% of the population! this will be a huge success.
It's a big task but we are being backed by Fethiye, we have the culture centre and town square as our start and finish point, the police will close roads if required but we have a wonderful course up and back down the Kordon. The event is inclusive and we are welcoming entrants with disabilities to take part, we also have a specialist on our team advising us on how to make the event disability friendly. Our plans are also looking to bring a children's short course event on Saturday April 11th 2015.
The management team are now roughly 50% Turkish and 50% English which is a nice balance, we've a mountain of work to get through but with the talented and motivated set of people we have, I'm sure we will make this happen.
The longer term plan is to make this event successful in Fethiye and then roll out our template to other towns and cities, we've established links with Ege University in Izmir which is a cancer research centre of excellence who we hope will become a major beneficiary of future Race for Life (Turkey) events.
If your interested or want to help out then please let us know, we've got plenty to keep anyone occupied in either helping establish the event or helping on the day as a course Marshall or race ambassador.
Sunday. April 12th 2015 is the date for your diary. Walk it, Run it, Beat it.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on September 02, 2014, 08:23:51 AM
Our Facebook page is now up and running with details of the event on 12.4.15 and will be updated regularly as the event evolves.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Yasamicinyaris/
A new piece of equipment that processes the chemotherapy treatment is desperately needed, as is a comfortable area where family and friends can visit loved ones at such a difficult time.
Please join and share even if you're personally unable to take part. Thank you.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on September 02, 2014, 08:24:54 AM
Must give big thanks to FETAV for making this possible, their support means we can go ahead with this event and act legally as a charity to collect money.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on September 02, 2014, 08:26:41 AM
And we have our first sponsor!! Thank you DAMLA who are providing participants with water on the day.
If anyone knows any companies who would like the opportunity to be a sponsor for this event please let George ( Rimms) or myself know.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on September 02, 2014, 08:49:14 AM
Title: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on September 22, 2014, 14:17:37 PM
On 19th October there will be a practice event for anyone wishing to come along and test the planned course. Meet at Fethiye Culture Centre at 2pm. Cost is just 5 tl per person and will go towards cancer research, awareness and treatment of cancer locally. No requirement to run, but we would love as many people to join us and wear red or white. fancy dress if you would like, the more fun the better.
There will also be an opportunity for anyone wishing to register to sign up, from 1pm, for the real Race for Life, Turkey ( Yasam icin yaris ) which will be held on 12th April 2015. Registration for the main event is 10tl.
Remember, you don't have to run, just do your best, it's 5km on the flat with stunning scenery. Yürü, koş,Başar - walk it, run it, best it.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: happy_flyer on January 20, 2015, 19:47:17 PM
We went into the Fetav Office yesterday and signed up for the race for life and paid for the T shirts as well. Unfortunately the T shirts are out of stock and a new batch have been ordered , we left with a receipt for the money but not until today did we realize we didn't get any race numbers or anything. Just wondering when the numbers will be issued to us? Guess it will be same time as we pick up the T shirts. We've left our names and contact details with the lady in the shop.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Rimms on January 20, 2015, 20:40:20 PM
Hi, yes we will have a dedicated event just before the race where you can pick up your T Shirts, Race numbers and other bits that will be in your race pack. We will let everyone know in good time. Thanks for your support.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on January 20, 2015, 21:37:50 PM
Hi Happy flyer, Please could you PM me your email address and size of t shirts wanted and I can add you to my sheet and let you know when they arrive. As George said thanks for your support. See you soon.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: happy_flyer on January 20, 2015, 23:27:28 PM
Thats lovely , thanks Rimms and Kayakebab
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: incir on February 17, 2015, 13:07:10 PM
Hi all,
Is there a closing date for entries? We are out for Easter & my daughter & I would like to support this great initiative (at a strictly brisk walking pace!).
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on February 17, 2015, 14:51:28 PM
Hello Incir That's great, thanks so much! If you would like to register online and pay with paypal you can do so, Www.yasamicinyaris.org You can also print off a sponsor form on the how to donate page.
The race packs will be given out on Saturday 11th at the Culture Centre, so you can collect your numbers. Let us know if this sounds ok. And don't worry, many people will be very slow walking!
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: incir on February 17, 2015, 15:44:32 PM
Fantastic - thanks so much for the quick response - will register us online. Am looking forward to it as is my daughter who will probably leave me way behind!
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on February 22, 2015, 14:33:25 PM
We signed up for "Race for life Turkey" at the car boot this morning. Don't normally plan that far ahead but we've made an exception. :)
Did not have enough lira with us to buy 2 t shirts but I'll get mine later. Will have to walk the course with maybe a stop for drink at the Denizati. If you see a "grey haired octogenarian " with a walking stick that will most likely be me. Looking forward to the event.
Now to find some sponsers. :)
DonM
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on February 22, 2015, 14:55:02 PM
Great stuff donM - I'd be delighted to be your first sponsor :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Rimms on February 22, 2015, 15:44:16 PM
Nice to meet you both this morning Don and thanks for supporting our event.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on February 22, 2015, 16:15:40 PM
Nice to meet you both this morning Don and thanks for supporting our event.
Hi George,
It was nice chatting to you too, at the time I did not realise who you were, I'm a bit slow on the uptake these days. :( :(
Don
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on February 22, 2015, 16:42:54 PM
Rimms - In answer to donM's question "how do I collect money from the UK" is it possible to donate direct to www.yasamicinyaris.org.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on February 22, 2015, 17:10:29 PM
Don...I missed you! Well done you! Look forward to seeing you.
Yes H...you will see a donate button on the home page. Thanks so much.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on February 22, 2015, 18:59:20 PM
Just so everyone is aware kayakebab -
1) is the amount is in lira and if so
2) how will it appear on my paypal account.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Rimms on February 22, 2015, 19:29:08 PM
PayPal will tell you before you press the Pay button what the amount converted to GBP is.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on February 22, 2015, 19:38:51 PM
Ta :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on February 23, 2015, 09:08:31 AM
Hi George I have to pay you a fiver for H tshirt. I need to get one for myself as we were a bit short of Lira yesterday.
Are you out and about selling T shirts or will I have to wait until the next car boot in Calis. Or maybe get together one morning for a coffee somewhere. :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on February 23, 2015, 16:18:35 PM
hi Don The team will be at Erasta, upstairs in the converse sport shop from 2-5 on March 6,7,8. And 13,14,15 And also at the next car boot which I believe is 22.3
Hope that's ok, or if you are anywhere near the Sevi Classic I could meet you on keep fit days, Monday, and Friday mornings, I'm usually there, 10.30 - 11.30 of you let me know what size you want, or if not George is always up for a coffee !
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on February 23, 2015, 18:36:15 PM
Linda I'll catch up with you at the Erasta. :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on February 23, 2015, 20:03:48 PM
I'm there 14th & 15th. Hope to meet you...such an inspiration :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on February 25, 2015, 13:57:45 PM
We walked the course this morning, it took us an hour spot on. :) I hope on race day they keep the bikes off the Kordon they can be a real pain when it's busy.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on February 25, 2015, 17:56:28 PM
Well done Don. We walked along the kirdon today as well, absolutely beautiful in the sun today. The bikes will soon get out the way when hundreds of people in red are running towards them!
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on March 24, 2015, 08:19:57 AM
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Rimms on March 24, 2015, 11:09:38 AM
A very sad and memorable day today for you John, our thoughts are with you.
We will soon turn our attention to distributing the race packs, inside these along with your race number is a "I'm Racing for" card which you can write on and wear on your back during the event. If you are at a loss as what to write on your card, I'm sure John wouldn't mind one bit if you carry a sign saying "I'm Racing for Rachel"
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on March 24, 2015, 17:33:09 PM
Hi George, John has sponsard me in the race so I'm very pleased to "Race for Rachel"
DonM
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on March 24, 2015, 18:27:44 PM
That's exceptionally kind of you donM. Thank you.
But please if you have a someone close who has passed away from or is battling cancer please Race for them. My Rachel will be with you anyway.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on April 01, 2015, 22:14:23 PM
This lovely young woman, who tragically lost her fight against cancer, has asked me to remind you that the Race for Life Turkey takes place on 12 April 2015 and to ask you to help if you can.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on April 04, 2015, 00:56:48 AM
Beautiful H x
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on April 09, 2015, 22:44:25 PM
Please read
From that “other place” something I can relate to only too sadly…….
Athena Orchard was diagnosed with bone cancer at the young age of 12 years old.
Unfortunately, her battle with cancer was short lived and she died on Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 but she left something that uplifted her parent's spirits, even in the wake of her death.
Found behind Athena's full-length bedroom mirror, was a bunch of handwritten notes.
Once they read what their daughter had left behind, they had realized that even though she passed away, her time on earth wasn't dampened by the cancer. Her spirit was always alive and well even when she was sick.
Here are some excerpts of what the back of her mirror says. It'll bring tears to your eyes but a slight smile on your face. Athena is an inspiration to all, even in her final thoughts, scribbled on the back of a mirror.
“Happiness depends upon ourselves. “Maybe it’s not about the happy ending, maybe it’s about the story. “The purpose of life is a life of purpose. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. Happiness is a direction not a destination. “Thank you for existing. Be happy, be free, believe, forever young. “You know my name, not my story. “You have heard what I’ve done, but not what I’ve been through. “Love is like glass, looks so lovely, but it’s easy to shatter. “Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change. “Every day is special, so make the most of it. You could get a life-ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. “Life is only bad if you make it bad. “If someone loves you then they wouldn’t let you slip away no matter how hard the situation is. “Remember that life is full of ups and downs, without the downs the ups don’t mean anything. “I’m waiting to fall in love with someone I can open my heart to. “Love is not about who you can see spending your future with it’s about who you can’t see spending your life without. “Life is a game for everyone but love is the only prize.”
Regardless of her illness, Athena never let that damage her perspective on life and the beauty it has to offer. Her outlook and positivity is something to thrive for while we still are here.
Our Rachel fought her illness in exactly the same way.
The Race for Life Turkey takes place this Sunday
If you can help, please do.
Thank you.
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on April 12, 2015, 07:45:02 AM
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: DonM on April 12, 2015, 16:52:58 PM
I was "racing for Rachel" today in the Race for life Turkey. It was a perfect walking day on a very good course. Personally I think the winners today were George and his committee. We took just over the hour to complete the course but they have been working for months to organise today's event.
We will be back next year if the Turkish government let us in.
Sorry no pics our camera had an off day
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on April 12, 2015, 16:59:05 PM
DonM
My daughter would have been absolutely honoured that you chose to run for her. On her behalf, thank you so much.
Congratulations on your time - what a wonderful effort. Many congratulations also to your good lady. :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: Highlander on April 12, 2015, 20:48:13 PM
Lovely photos Don M :)
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: philrose on April 13, 2015, 06:48:46 AM
Nice little write up here... http://national.bgnnews.com/hundreds-of-british-residents-of-fethiye-race-against-cancer-haberi/5067
Title: Re: Welcome to Race For Life Turkey
Post by: kayakebab on April 14, 2015, 09:12:32 AM
This write up is awful, 40% of participants were Turkish and FETAV only permit us to operate legally, they did not organise it. Really soul destroying, our aim was always that it shouldn't be just another expat do, and that's exactly how they've made it sound :( 4 out of the 6 medalists were Turkish, at least they recorded that correctly, even if they did spell Matthews name wrong Grrrrrr
For a better, correct write up please see Fethiye Times report http://www.fethiyetimes.com/news/44-news/14528-fethiye-raced-for-life-and-won.html