The fourth football marathon of the Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Support Group is being held over three days next weekend to raise funds to buy three apartments in London to accommodate the families of children who have to undergo medical treatment for cancer in the UK.
Over the past two years, over 50 families had to go to the UK for their children's treatment - be it a bone marrow transplant, intensive chemotherapy, or a follow-up appointment, the support group said.
It is hoping that the funds raised through the marathon at the Marsa Sports Ground will go some way towards making the dream of buying the apartments a reality to solve the accommodation problem once and for all.
One of the reasons behind the purchase of the ground-floor apartments in Sutton, close to the Royal Marsden Hospital where the oncology patients are treated, is because around €2,000 (Lm850) is required every month for rental, including council tax, water and electricity.
Flats were being rented for the families, but Puttinu has taken on another challenge and is in the process of purchasing its own apartments in the belief that it is more financially feasible.
The three apartments are each equipped with two double bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a garage. They are in the same block, surrounded by a garden, and can accommodate two families each.
Another advantage lies in the fact that they are a few minutes' walk from the hospital, as well as from the train station and a shopping centre.
The fund-raising marathon, which kicks off on Friday, will again comprise around 500 football teams, who will play for 60 hours.
It starts with Mass at the Marsa Sports Ground at 9 a.m., followed by the kick-off by the Prime Minister's wife Kate Gonzi and a boy from Mater Dei Hospital's Rainbow ward at 10 a.m. The opening match is between MPs and priests.
Among the highlights of the marathon is a non-stop music festival by local DJs on Friday evening, while a team of hairdressers will also be present over the three days, and AFM presentations, dog, car and model aircraft shows are among the attractions. Consultants and families who have taken their children to the UK for treatment will also be on hand to discuss their experiences and share information.
Saturday's marathon, which is also intended to be full of animation for families, is being transmitted on five local TV stations.
The marathon runs into Sunday, when there will be more family activities as well as a visit by Archbishop Paul Cremona.
Puttinu organises several fund-raising activities throughout the year, but its biggest is the football marathon, which last year managed to collect €163,000 (Lm70,000).
Donations can be made on site during the event, or via the telephone: Go donation numbers are 5004 9543 for €7; 5004 9545 for €11; 5004 9540 for €23; while Hello donation numbers are 5003 6803 for €7; 5003 6805 for €11; and 5003 6810 for €23; and SMS donations can be made on 5061 7380 for €2.33; on 5061 8939 for €6.99; and on 5061 9225 for €11.65.
Anyone collecting funds in the name of Puttinu Cares should have an authorised letter, the group said.