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Tulips - Help Those With Cancer in the T.R.N.C. (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus).

News

Posted 10/1/2008

Newspaper article by Marion Stuart.

New Year brings some cheer for unfortunate Chittocks

Two housing "disasters" end with a show of kindness and love from locals.

For one couple, the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 has brought them good cheer they have not experienced during the previous three, but it has come at a cost - not financial, but of health.

Bob & Elaine Chittock came to Cyprus in September 2004, fell in love with it and quickly decided that this was the place for the next phase of their lives. As Elaine's health had presented some challenges, the couple felt that Cyprus would be a far better option for their future with it's sunshine and better all round climate. Selling up in North Devon, UK and leaving behind their much loved parrots, who had been their "family" for some considerable time, they paid a deposit on what was to be their dream house, and moved into rented accommodation in the Kyrenia area to oversee the building work to ensure they had no problems.

Very quickly they realised that their property was not being built to their specifications and, on the advice of their lawyers, started court proceedings against the builder to get back the money they had paid - all £18,000 sterling. Unfortunately fir them, the building was one in the Amaranta Valley project and by the time the court awarded in their favour, Gary Robb had disappeared.

However, in September 2005, with the promise of their money to be returned with interest and damages, they closed the door on Amaranta Valley, and moved their property thoughts to the purchase of another home in Karsiyaka through Victorian Homes, owned by Recep Heybetti, whom they met through a Home Buyers Pressure Group meeting, and in whom they felt they could place their trust.

It seemed that their dreams could once again become a reality, and they were promised their new house on a small site.

On their return they were given the crushing information that contrary to earlier promises and expectations, electric would not be installed for eighteen months at least  but they were given a somewhat ancient generator and with the knowledge that water would be regularly delivered, they moved into their home. But in no time the ancient generator died and they had to buy a new one. For an entire year they lived on an unfinished site, with a generator which gave them about two hours electricity daily, and the stress affected Elaine's health.

In the meantime, Gary Robb returned to the island and the Home Buyers Pressure Group helped the Chittocks to press the return of the monies owed to them. Discussions between Robb and their own lawyer resulted in an agreement of the sum of £3,000 sterling to be paid each month commencing September 2007. Should the defendant (Robb) default for three months, then the total sum would be due. By December 2007, not a penny was received, even though the first judgement was given two years ago.

In July 2007, whilst waiting for promises of the provision of electricity to be fulfilled, on the advice of Marion Stokes of the House Buyers Pressure Group, the couple were among the first to apply to the Property Complaints Office for help. The good news from this is that because their is actually a building permit for their part of the site, discussions were able to take place between the Complaints Office and the Kaymakamlik, and the couple have been given a Permit to get electricity to their property. However, they now have to apply to Kib-Tek and it could be that they may be asked to pay for the entire project of six houses as there is no infrastructure in place and the cost of such could be totally prohibitive. Negotiations are continuing to find the most economic option.

Just as there seemed a solution on the way to the lifestyle of which they had dreamed, Elaine's health took a huge downturn. Going to see the doctor with a throat cough that refused to improve, she was given a diagnosis that everyone dreads to hear. Not knowing what to do, the Chittocks were pointed in the direction of Tulips "Help Those With Cancer". The kindness, caring advice, help and support of Raziye Kocaismail and her team were "fantastic said Elaine, "they are absolutely and they sent me to Adana where I saw doctors and an oncologist. "Tulips' made all the arrangements, including transport there and back. They are the most wonderful organisation and I can never thank them enough."

Tulips was the first real ray of light on the medical front for the Chittocks. Not knowing when the electricity problem would be solved, Stokes discussed the dilemma with fellow HBPG members. As Stokes explained " all Elaine wants is the comfort of her own home and bed."

One of the hearers then turned into an "angel" and said "they can use my home for a month," as a trip to the UK was in the offing. The Chittocks duly moved in and Elaine's long lost smile returned to her face.

The Chittocks now have a greater optimism towards 2008, thanks to Home Buyers Pressure Group, the Property Complaints Office, Tulips' and the "angel." Now they wait for an answer from Kib-Tek, and face the challenge of treatment.

The Chittocks

we apologise for the quality of the picture

Posted 5/1/2008

Families of cancer patients at Lefkosa's State Hospital can now stay in a special "Home away from home". A flat, which can house four families, has been donated for the use of people who live out of the city by Dr Kaya Mentesoglu, a professor in an American University, whose mother died from the disease. The flat is for families and patients to live together. The cost of the flat will be met by the Help Those With Cancer Association.

Member's Letters.........

......I am a cancer patient from the Association and am being treated in the South. The Association helps me in all ways and I feel like I'm home. I am specially very satisfied with Raziye and all the Association workers and I wish them the best.

......I became a member to the Association years ago and I thank Raziye and all the association workers, they make me feel warm and I feel like I'm home when I visit the Association.

......Before I write any further, I would like to say in the name of all cancer patients that I am very happy and I thank you, because the amount of help Raziye Kocaismail has made to us is uncountable. I am a cancer patient as well and Raziye pays for all the fees for controls. I thank the Association Director who never turns anyone down and is always there for us. I also thank all the workers.

.......Help those with Cancer Association is a very useful for the society, It helps us financially, morally, send us over to the South for treatment along with an interpreter so we can understand what is going on. The Association workers are very warm and help us to cheer up. I thank the public for being sensitive towards our patients and Association.

Note left at the office on 11/12/2007...........

Dear Raziye

I called in to say Hello! I found some bargains in your lovely shop.

Hope to see you soon

Best wishes

Maureen (Hutchinson)

Help Those With Cancer

"TULIPS"

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