Shocking moments they lived those who were found on the morning of Saturday 12/10/2024, in Georgiou Square in Patras, responding to the invitation of the “Flame” Association of Parents of Children with Cancer.
At the time when everything around is gray with negative events and patterns, one of the children of the “Flame”, the Paralympic cycling champion Nikos Papagelis, illuminated the good face of society, spreading optimism and hope. Himself he suffered from cancer, which may have cost him one of his legs, but he never beat it.
Just before launch
After last year’s successful route from Athens to Patras, Paralympic cyclist Nikos Papagelis with Wheels Of Will for the 3rd year in a row cycled 240 kilometers arriving in Ioannina in order to strengthen the “Flame”. The tender’s journey started from Georgiou Square where he had arrived last year, cycling from Athens.
Nikos Papagelis with the writer and volunteer of “Floga”
“It’s an important moment for me, as through this effort I am given the opportunity to help children with cancer” said Nikos shortly before leaving Patras adding: “I was in this position myself and I know very well what it means to be a child and to fight cancer. Today I met many important parents of “Floga” here in Patras and I am happy to give them courage and hope. All together we can spread the message of the “Flame” because the life work it offers is unique”.
The representative of the Association “Kallipatira” Maria Manousaki who supports the fight of Nikos Papagelis said: “We live in the time when your example, Nikos, fills us with hope and strength and reminds us what it means to be human. We will always be close to you.”
Nikos Papaggelis, with his sweetness, patiently talked and took pictures with young and old who had gathered in Georgiou Square. In fact, there were not a few who cried when the signal was given and Nikos started on his journey. He traveled 230 kilometers on his bicycle in a single day, reaching his destination which was Ioannina, where he was welcomed by parents of the large family of “Floga” and local officials. Parents from Nafpaktos and Agrinio gave him warm applause along the way.
The help of Gephyra SA was decisive in the organization.
Το Wheels Of Will could not take place without the support of the major sponsors VISA, OPAP, AVRA, as well as the help of the Region of Ioannina, the Municipality of Patras, the sound company Giorgos Adamopoulos and the Traffic Police of Patras.
We owe a special mention to the people of “GEFYRAS SA”, who supported the fight of Nikos Papagelis and exceptionally allowed him to cross the “Charilaos Trikoupis” Bridge with his bicycle under conditions of absolute safety, of course, which were ensured by the men of the Traffic Police.
With his donation, Nikos Papagelis strengthened the “Flame” of hope for all children suffering from cancer. We thank him for filling us with optimism and strength to respond to the daily, often painful, cycling of life.
Everyone in a hug just before Nikos Papagelis starts the 240 km journey.
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