Newsroom
Two decades ago, an 8-year-old British girl named Sophie arrived in Cyprus for a sunny holiday with her family. But what should have been a carefree vacation quickly turned into a nightmare when she collapsed shortly after landing.
Now, 20 years later, Sophie has returned, not for the beaches, but to say thank you.
Dr. Avraam Elias, Director of the Pediatric Clinic at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, shared the moving story in a heartfelt social media post, describing an emotional visit that brought tears, hugs, and a powerful reminder of what truly matters in medicine.
Back in the early 2000s, young Sophie was rushed first to Larnaca General Hospital and then transferred to Makarios Hospital due to the severity of her condition. There, she was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening syndrome. Against the odds, the medical team managed to stabilize her and nurse her back to health.
After returning to the UK, Sophie’s family organized several charity events, raising a significant sum to donate to the very hospital that had saved their daughter’s life. They stayed in touch with Dr. Elias over the years, always expressing gratitude for the care and compassion shown by both medical and nursing staff.
But the most touching chapter of this story came recently, when Sophie, now an adult, returned to Cyprus during her honeymoon. She brought along her husband, Sam, and her parents, and the first stop on their trip was Makarios Hospital.
“They didn’t hesitate to spend a day of their holiday to visit us,” wrote Dr. Elias. “Their words of love and thanks, the emotion in their eyes, and a mother’s tears of joy will stay with me forever. It’s these moments that give me the strength to continue doing this difficult but meaningful work.”
Sophie had even invited Dr. Elias to her wedding in London, a gesture that deeply moved him, though he couldn’t attend. Her visit was a chance to reconnect in person, two decades after fate first brought their paths together.
The story has struck a chord with readers across Cyprus and beyond, shining a light on the human side of healthcare—the bonds formed, the lives changed, and the lasting gratitude that sometimes comes full circle.
Dr. Elias ended his post with a heartfelt wish: “May God watch over Sophie and her beautiful family, as He watches over all the children of the world.”
It’s a simple yet powerful reminder: even after all these years, gratitude, kindness, and compassion still have the power to heal.
