Lifecycle launches awareness campaign

The Lifecycle Challenge team will hold an awareness and fund raising event at the Valletta Waterfront today at 6.30 p.m.

The team, which every year embarks on a bicycle marathon on the continent in aid of kidney patients, will be joined by BMX enthusiasts who will put up a stunt show on a purposely designed ramp along the quay.

The ramp will then be available to adventurous members of the public willing to have a go at this thrilling experience.

The Lifecycle team will discuss with the public their challenge and the organisation's cause. They will also train on stationary bikes, said former challenge cyclist Alexandra Bonnici, who is currently managing the organisation's sponsorship programme.

Now that training for this year's challenge is well underway, Lifecycle is focusing more of its efforts on initiatives to collect funds for lifesaving equipment for the Renal Unit and raise awareness about the causes of end stage renal disease.

The organisation has already embarked on joint initiatives with entities such as St Edward's Clinic and the Malta Lupus Organisation.

The organisation said that one of the diseases that could lead to renal failure is diabetes, particularly if uncontrolled. Hypertension could be another cause.

"The incidence of diabetes in Malta is 10 per cent. In order to prevent kidney disease, diabetes has to be controlled and Lifecycle is creating an awareness campaign with the public explaining what diabetes is and how to control and prevent it.

"This campaign will consist of patient information leaflets in Maltese and English which will be distributed in public places, doctor's clinics, and given out by members of the Lifecycle team during public appearances," the organisers said.

Talks by leading healthcare professionals would also be aired on television and radio and all the information would be accessible on the Lifecycle website.

This awareness campaign is being sponsored by an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline, patient link and awareness campaign coordinator Anna Miggiani said.

People who would like to meet Lifecycle challengers are invited to join the team at the Valletta Waterfront this evening.

Alternatively one can visit the organisation's website at www.lifecyclechallenge.com to learn more about the organisation, its cause and this year's challenge.

Donations can be made by SMS on 5061 7356 (Lm1), 5061 8921 (Lm3) and 5061 9218 (Lm5).

Lifecycle thanked the Armed Forces of Malta for the logistical support in the organisation of static bike displays.