The 19th Creditwest Bank Car Treasure Hunt took place on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in support of Tanyel’s Smile. Starting from Creditwest Bank in Alsancak, participants collected their instructions before setting off on a two-hour route devised by Paul and Jane Ashworth.
A total of 20 teams, comprising 71 participants in vehicles plus 12 others in support vehicles, took part in the event. Independent MP for Girne, Jale Refik-Rogers, officially flagged the teams off.
The finish line was at Suna’s Beach Club in Lapta, where answers were checked and prizes awarded. Initially, four teams tied for first place — “Family Campers”, “Bella Brigade”, “Unstoppables”, and “Karsi 4” — with tie-breaker questions determining the final podium order. A consolation prize was awarded to the last-placed team, “Trofi Mafia”.
Following an introduction to the charity by Gülay and Ceyhun Uzun of Tanyel’s Smile, a special presentation was made by Figen Kaymak of Creditwest Bank to Brian Hardie, in memory of Corinna Philips, the founder of the Car Treasure Hunt.
All teams were congratulated, with organisers pleased to note that not a single team got lost along the route. The event raised a total of 112,000 TL and £590 for Tanyel’s Smile, a charity that helps create lasting memories for children receiving treatment at the Lefkoşa State Hospital Oncology Ward.
Special thanks were extended to Creditwest Bank for sponsoring the event, and to its staff — including Çatalköy branch manager Figen Kaymak and Alsancak branch manager Deniz Oralman — for their invaluable support. Joanne Hickey, Creditwest Bank’s Expat Customer Relations representative, played a major role in organising the event alongside Issy Atahasan.
Appreciation was also expressed to Suna’s Beach Club for generously hosting the event and providing lunch, and to its proprietors and managers for their warm hospitality.
Gratitude was extended to Jale Refik-Rogers for her involvement, to Paul and Jane Ashworth for devising the route, and to the many local businesses who donated raffle prizes: Olive Press Bowls Club (Lapta), Alta Marea Restaurant (Karaoğlanoğlu), Peri’s Fish Restaurant (Karaoğlanoğlu), Spice Garden (Esentepe), Suna’s Beach Club (Lapta), Aspava Restaurant (Yedidalga), Gillham Winery, The Wine Garden, Etel Wine Centre, Best Seller Book Shop (Karakum), Supreme Supermarket (Çatalköy), and Şengün Supermarket (Bahçeli).
The charity reflected that the day was a wonderful blend of fun, community spirit, and generosity, ensuring vital support for the children of the Lefkoşa State Hospital Oncology Ward and their families, helping them create cherished memories through Tanyel’s Smile.
A big thank you to all those involved.
