Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari has donated 8,000 euros to help a young boy with leukaemia cover the remaining cost of a life‑saving transplant, in a gesture praised by the charity behind the appeal.
The “Paidiki Chara” (Children’s Joy) organisation said the funds will allow the boy, identified as Nikola, to proceed with a bone marrow transplant on Sept. 7, pending final medical clearance. Ms. Sakkari covered the outstanding amount without seeking publicity, the group said, stepping in after a wider public appeal raised most of the needed sum.
“Do not make any more deposits. The need for Nikola, who is fighting leukaemia, has been covered. Together we have given him a breath of life,” the charity wrote in a post thanking the tennis player.
“Thank you, Maria Sakkari, for becoming a guardian angel for Nikola.”
The organisation had previously shared the family’s story, noting that Nikola’s father, who was also battling cancer, had died. It said donations poured in within hours, with contributions ranging from 5 euros to 2,000 euros, before Ms. Sakkari’s contribution closed the gap.
“Someone saw our post about the remaining amount and immediately made an 8,000‑euro donation. Without noise.
Without asking for anything. She did what she could, at that moment, to help,” the charity said. “She simply saw a child who needed help and decided to stand by him.”
Ms. Sakkari liked the post and responded with heart emojis. The organisation replied: “Your love has enormous power. Thank you from the heart.”
The case has drawn attention in Greece to the financial pressures families face during complex medical treatments and to the role of private donations in bridging gaps in care.