Updated: Charity marathon organisers call appeal generosity

Just over €105,000 had been collected up to 10 p.m. in a football marathon being held at the Marsa Sports Grounds in aid of young cancer victims.

The marathon has been organized by Puttinu Cares, which has HSBC as its main sponsor.

The purpose of the 60-hour football marathon, which kicked off on Friday morning, is to raise funds for the purchase of three apartments in London, costing €1,150,000 for use by parents who have to take their children for hospital treatment there.

Some 500 teams are taking part in the event, along with Malta’s best entertainers. A variety show was held tonight and another will be held tomorrow evening including Malta’s best known singers, and there will be family activities during the day.

Rennie Zerafa, one of the organizers, expressed disappointment that the sum collected was not higher. He said the people who followed the marathon during the day had enjoyed themselves and been moved by the experiences of families who spoke on what they had gone through in London and how they were generously assisted by Puttinu Cares.

Mr Zerafa urged more people to go to Marsa or donate to the fund on the following telephone numbers - 50049543 (€7); 50049545 (€11); 50049540 (€23). Hello subscribers can phone on 50036802 (€7); 50036805 (€11) and 50036810 (€23) or on SMS 50617380 (€2.33) 50618939 (€6.99) or 50619225 (€11.65).

The Prime Minister and Charles Mangion, acting leader of the MLP, visited the marathon earlier today.

The first football match of the marathon was kicked off on Friday morning by Catherine Gonzi, the prime minister’s wife (picture). The marathon ends tomorrow at 10 p.m.