Sicily-Malta rowing challenge about to get under way

A 38-year-old marketing consultant this evening sets off for Sicily from where he will single-handedly row a heavy boat to Malta to raise funds so that terminally-ill children can enjoy a dream holiday with their parents.

The challenge, which starts on Thursday at 5 a.m., comes at the end of a gruelling four weeks of training during which Daniel Abela admits that it was only the plight of the children which kept him going.

“Just think about what these children and their parents are going through. The only thing I can do for them is to encourage people to contribute so that they can share happy memories of a dream holiday,” the normally cheerful Mr Abela said in a voice which suddenly turned sombre.

The challenge has been organised by the Puttinu Children’s Cancer Support Group and the Beyond the Moon programme.

Mr Abela will be rowing an ocean-going, 450 kilo craft provisioned and equipped to enable him to be self-sufficient and handle rough seas.

He said the plan was for the crossing to take him up to Saturday evening. He will row between 5 am and noon and from 5 p.m. to midnight, pulling the oars for an hour each time and resting for 30 minutes.

“Training has been exhausting, but had your children been suffering from cancer, wouldn’t you walk through fire for them?” he asked when questioned about his training routine.

He thanked all those who have contributed to the fund so far.

The public is being asked to make donations payable to either Puttinu Childrens’ Cancer Support Group or Beyond the Moon and sent to Daniel Abela, 217/1, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar NXR 1013.

Donations can also be made on HSBC account 085114437050