Diving for charity

A number of first-time divers gathered at Qawra Point yesterday excitedly waiting to take the plunge, while helping a charitable cause.

For the ninth consecutive year, the Atlam Sub Aqua Club has organised a fund-raising event encouraging people to "come try-a-dive" for just Lm3.50 between 8.30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The money raised is going to Jackie Chircop, an 18-year-old who last December was diagnosed with herpes simplex encephalitis, a rare neurological disorder characterised by inflammation of the brain.

After more than three months at St Luke's Hospital's ITU, Ms Chircop is back home, but suffers from fits. Yesterday's event was to collect money towards her therapy.

Edwin Zammit, one of the organisers, said that by 6 p.m., 137 people had undertaken a 20-minute dive.

Those who wish to donate money towards this cause can send a cheque payable to the Atlam Sub Aqua Club, to PO Box 42, Sliema.

The Atlam Sub Aqua Club is a non-profit organisation that holds regular diving courses. For more information drop an e-mail to info@atlam.org.