Daring charity stunt planned for Ghadira

A 36-year-old businessman will attempt to cross the 2.4 kilometre stretch of Ghadira Bay in Mellieha and back underwater in an unprecedented stunt for charity.

Weighed down with 25 kg weights, Daniel Abela is expected to spend two and a half hours some 10 metres below the surface to make the crossing to raise funds for Caritas and the Eden Foundation.

The event will be held in conjunction with Vodafone Malta Foundation Family Day on Sunday, May 21, to celebrate Unesco's International Day of Families.

Mr Abela, who has raised thousands of liri for charity during the past years thanks to different athletic initiatives, will be assisted by the Civil Protection Department's volunteers' section during his feat.

Asked what kind of training he was undertaking in preparation for the attempt, Mr Abela said he was trying to build the necessary stamina before undergoing trials in the water.

The fact that he is no professional diver is hardly giving him cold feet, telling reporters he was renowned for doing "crazy stuff".

A scene from the film Men Of Honor provided a telling backdrop to a news conference to launch the event at the SAS Radisson.

"I wanted to show this clip in tribute to the people of great honour who sacrifice their own free time to help others," Mr Abela said, referring to the Eden Foundation and Caritas officials.

Statistics provided by the two organisations show the extent of the help needed.

Caritas needs over Lm40,000 a month to sustain its drug rehabilitation and prevention services, according to Mgr Victor Grech. A total of 559 individuals, aged between 11 and 28, have requested Caritas's assistance in the last year - 83 per cent of whom are being treated for heroin addiction.

"Whereas before, drugs like ecstasy were the primary drug for youngsters, nowadays many are opting for heroin," Mgr Grech said.

"The problem of drugs is spreading to the extent that they have spread to 26 per cent of prison inmates, despite the security there," he added.

On the other hand, the Eden Foundation needs Lm2,500 a day to assist children with developmental disabilities.

After 15 years in operation, Eden has had the pleasure of seeing infants grow into children, study at sixth form and continue their studies at MCAST, president Josie Muscat said. Around 90 of these are now even employed, which shows that Eden Foundation is a success story.

Funds raised during the May 21 event will also go towards the setting up of Malta's first electronic medical journal coordinated by Victor Grech, a leading paediatric cardiologist.

The day at Ghadira will feature food and drink stalls, games for the family, a tug of war, a penalty shootout and a beach soccer tournament.

Other attractions include an air to sea rescue demonstration by the Armed Forces and a dog and horse show by the police.