On Friday, 20 December 2019, Mrs Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, President of the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer “ELPIDA,” visited the children staying in the Agia Sofia and P&A Kyriakou Children’s Hospitals by prosecutor’s order.

A warm lunch of love was organised at the initiative of Mrs Vardinoyannis for all the children, so they could feel all the warmth and affection of the holiday season.  In a lovely atmosphere, with Christmas colours and melodies, Mrs Vardinoyannis talked with the children and handed out presents.

“My dear children, I am very touched to be here with you today.  I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to you all.  Be strong and never lose hope.  God watches over everyone.  I would like you to know that I will always be here for you,” Mrs Vardinoyannis told the children.

Τhe Director of the Agia Sofia and P&A Kyriakou Children’s Hospitals, Mr Manolis Papasavvas, thanked Mrs Vardinoyannis for her initiative, and underlined that it is very important for these children to be able to feel the spirit of Christmas during these festive days.

It should be noted that these are children that have been removed from their families by Prosecutor’s order, due to neglect, abuse and unsuitable living conditions in general.  The children are initially taken to the Children’s Hospitals to undergo the necessary medical checks and psychiatric evaluation, but after that they remain there for several months, until an institution appropriate to accommodate them is found.  This period in certain cases may exceed a year, despite the fact that these are healthy children that do not need to be hospitalised.