Afroditi Nestora deeply moved mourners with her emotional presence at the funeral of her mother, Vagia, who died following an arson attack involving gas canisters at their home in Kozani. Defying medical advice, Nestora — herself a victim of the same attack — traveled directly from the hospital to attend the service and bid her mother a final farewell.
A courageous appearance
Nestora arrived in Kozani in a specially adapted vehicle for people with mobility impairments and attended the ceremony seated in a wheelchair. Severe burns have left her unable to walk, and her hands and legs were visibly bandaged. She appeared exhausted but resolute.
“Thank you for coming”
Immediately after the funeral, and just before returning to the hospital where she remains under treatment, Nestora addressed those in attendance: “Thank you all for coming — thank you so much. My mother was a wonderful person. Thank you very much.”
Doctors had determined she was not medically fit for discharge due to serious burns on her legs that prevent her from standing or walking. Nevertheless, she signed a personal responsibility waiver to make the journey — underscoring the profound personal significance of saying goodbye to her mother.