President Ersin Tatar receives representatives of the North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust (Heartbeat)
President Ersin Tatar welcomed officials from the North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust — widely known to the public as “Heartbeat” — at his office, where he praised the organisation’s tireless work since its founding in 1988. Over the years, the trust has raised substantial funds to support hospitals in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and provide assistance to cancer patients.
In attendance were Heartbeat Chairperson İsmail (Issy) Atahasan, along with board members Debra Atahasan, Lynda Cook, and Teresa Cefa.
During the meeting, Mr Atahasan presented President Tatar with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his support for the trust and its volunteers. He noted that in the past five years alone, Heartbeat has raised medical equipment valued at €120,000 and $91,000, all of which has been used to buy medical equipment for TRNC-based hospitals.
President Tatar expressed his deep gratitude, stating: “I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for carrying out such an important social responsibility and humanitarian work. Your voluntary work not only raises awareness about cancer but also helps provide essential medical equipment for our hospitals through your fund raising organisations. Since its establishment in 1988, Heartbeat’s dedication and integrity have been exemplary. On behalf of the Turkish Cypriot people, I thank all past and present members of this remarkable organisation.”
Mr Atahasan, in turn, thanked President Tatar for his hospitality and acknowledgment of Heartbeat’s efforts. He also shared details of an upcoming fundraising event scheduled for 14 September 2025, with the goal of raising €25,000 to purchase new medical equipment for a local hospital.
Also present at the meeting were Nedime Serakıncı, Health Advisor to the President, and Kerem Haser, Foreign Press Officer.