Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

On another thread someone asked for an update on little Ismail that Lee Hickens together with wife jan is helping . I wrote and asked lee and here is his response. I am also trying to persuade Lee to sign up here so that he can update. But for now, I am happy to pass on this message from him. and thanks to Lee for responding so promptly!!!!



Ismail is doing well at the present time , we have our fingers crossed, he has 6 months reprieve and we have assisted the family in settling back in TRNC,

He will have to go back to Turkey in approx 3 months for assessment that is when we should find out about the bone marrow, everyone here in TRNC has been kept up to speed via the Media and I have also been on TV and discussed it also you kindly published a story when he first came back in approx April

The money Loose boots has raised is sitting safely in his Bank AC. If we get a miracle and he does not need the bone marrow then with Loose Boots approval we will use the money for any other ongoing treatment,travel etc. or with a second helping of good luck then towards his new arm or even helping him adapt to life,with one arm, because unfortunately he will most likely only be able to have a cosmetic Prosthesis.

But the family are very happy at present, and Ismail is incredible, he seems so well and he is eating and laughing and spending time at school, HE IS AN INSPIRATION. We thought we where going to lose him when we went to see him in Hatti after his chemo had caused a brain hemorrhage, Jan and I are still 100% active we always will be, all being well, but I do miss having Cyprus 44 to update . In fact it went down the week that Ismail came back to TRNC.(Marion says 'sign up Lee - come join us!

a huge thankyou to all the people for their concern and interest

I have just found the 2 most recent updates. Marion did a super report on 06 04 12 headed Joyful news about little etc. etc. Front Page. Also the latest one being in Cyprus Today, June 06 12. Page 4. By Anne Canalp, Anne actually came with us for the day to help us translate and see the family.


Also we are always seeking toys or clothes or anything to help the family, feel free to put my phone number on there if anyone can help thank you 0533 843 6539

Lee/ Marion even though Im not there my heart still thinks of this brave soldier. He is one very remarkable lad.Im finding it hards to deal with my own illness but I am being well cared for. Never mind what they say about the NHS I guess Im lucky to be in a good area. However that boy has endured so very much, as has his family. My heart bleds for all of them but to see he is doing so well has lifted me . If he can do it so can I. All my love and respect will alwYS go to Lee and Jan. They have beleived all the way and fought with him him all the way. I would love them here withy me. I want so much to see Lee and Jans dream come true for Ismail, his faMILY whom I have had the pleasure to meet. God bless you all for all you do and I pray you will always continue. I give so much money here to charties and never hear a word where it goes apart from the DOGS TRUST. Lee I set up a D/D each month can youi arrange this so I can donate please every month xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you Marion for getting us the update. Sounding pretty positive. Poor Ismail, it seems to have been going on forever. Fingers crossed that in 3 months it will finally get sorted for him.

Lilli how lovely to hear from you, and to receive your comments which I am sure will encourage Lee and jan even more to keep going in all they are doing for Ismail and his family. However, (and sorry if this is a bit off thread), how wonderful it would have been if you, Lilli were able to come on the 8th July to meet the Kibkomers who will be getting together. We have no idea of how many will come, BUT BUT BUT if you wanted to send a message to be read out saying that you cannot be here, I would gladly do it, just to let people know that you are there in spirit.

If you feel you wdant to, then send me a message via the e mail facility on here.

Our best wishes to you. Pob bendith arnoch ti, cariad!!!!! We all miss you.

Hi Marion. Thank you for your reply. God I am still so bad at typing. I would really love to be with you all but sadly Im going back to hospital on the 10th July. I will be with you in spirit and would love to send you a message if I can figure out how to do it. You know Im allergic to computors. Its lovely to read the comments, I feel Im with you. Ismail is one very brave lad. Im so happy he is doing so well. I know Lee and Jan will never give up on him. I really miss the restaurant and not being able to fund raise for him. Love to you both xxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Marion and Lilli, first thankyou Marion for the update on little Ismail, Ive been wondering how he is coming on in his recovery, my prayers are with him and his family. Lilli its so nice to hear from you, I used to read a lot of your posts on 44 especially about your dog rescues, I didnt know you were poorly so please accept my good wishes for a speedy recovery to you too and good to see you have joined us Kibkomers which by the way was my word for describing our fellow peoples on here so that is my claim to fame, wonder if they will accept the word Kibkomers in the Oxford dictionary!!! mmm

I see from the article in Cyprus Today that Ismail has had his bone marrow operation. Hope it was successful and of course wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
My thanks to everyone that sponsored my Istanbul Marathon run last year which was specifically to raise funds for this op. Without your help none of this would be possible.
Thank you all again.