Timely Detection: A Lifesaving Approach
London Man Cycles Thousands of Kilometers to Raise Awareness for Childhood Cancer
Tanyel Uzun, a resident of London with roots in Yedidalga, tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 20. In her memory, her family established the Tanyel’s Smile Foundation, providing hope and support to hundreds of children battling this devastating disease. Tanyel’s father, Ceyhun Uzun, embarked on a journey from London to Yedidalga, cycling thousands of kilometers to draw attention to childhood cancers.
Tanyel Uzun was a talented gymnast who was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18. Her only symptom was pain in her rib area. Despite the challenges of her treatment, Tanyel maintained a high spirit and responded well to medication. However, her disease recurred, and she unfortunately passed away in 2016. Before her untimely death, Tanyel decided to get engaged to her partner and experienced the joy of this milestone through a beautiful organization.
The Uzun couple, Gülay and Ceyhun, shared their story with the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK), highlighting the work of Tanyel’s Smile Foundation and their 29-day bicycle journey. Their message to families is clear: “Be vigilant about the health of your children. Even minor symptoms should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Early diagnosis saves lives.”
Ceyhun Uzun, who has been a police officer in England for 30 years, dedicated himself to running after the loss of his daughter. He broke the Guinness record in the London Marathon for three consecutive years and donated half a million pounds of his earnings to children with cancer. Ceyhun Uzun also received a medal of honor from the Queen of England for his successful career and charitable contributions. He even participated in Turkey’s competition program, Survivor.
The Uzun couple continuously stresses the importance of early diagnosis, reminding parents that no one thinks their child will be affected by cancer. They believe that if Tanyel’s cancer had been detected earlier, she could still be with them today.
Gülay Uzun, a fitness instructor, struggled with severe depression after losing her daughter. She found solace in establishing the foundation and witnessing the joy it brought to children and families. Determined to continue this meaningful work, she stands strong.
Ceyhun Uzun believes that his daughter communicates with him through numbers, particularly the number 11. Many significant events in relation to Tanyel, such as the room number where she passed away and the district of her burial site, have been associated with this number. He interprets these occurrences as messages from his daughter, encouraging him to persevere.
The Uzun couple also shared the significance of Yedidalga for their daughter and themselves. Despite being based in London, they regularly visited Yedidalga, where they saw their daughter’s love for the place. Hence, they concluded their bicycle journey in Yedidalga.
Speaking about their journey, Ceyhun Uzun mentioned previous shorter rides he undertook for cancer awareness. However, this long-distance expedition was their first. Accompanied by Ryan Mckinlay, a national runner, and their wives, Gülay Uzun and Rachel Mckinlay, they cycled approximately 160-180 kilometers each day, passing through England, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and finally, Cyprus. The challenging hills of Greece proved to be the most difficult part of their journey. In total, they covered a distance of 3,600 kilometers on their bicycles.
When asked about future travel plans, Ceyhun Uzun said, “It’s possible. We could travel from one end of the world to the other. Nothing is impossible for us. The most challenging aspect is the treatment process for children diagnosed with cancer. I have witnessed their pain, and nothing can be tougher than that.”
The Uzun couple concluded by emphasizing that the UK-based Tanyel’s Smile Foundation will continue to provide financial and emotional support to individuals aged 0-24 diagnosed with cancer in the TRNC and their families.
