Renal patients leave for Lourdes

A group of 28 renal patients left for Lourdes yesterday on a trip sponsored by HSBC Lifecycle.

Aged between 14 and 84, the patients form part of the national pilgrimage organised by Għaqda Maltija għat-Trasport tal-Morda f'Lourdes. They are accompanied by four nurses, eight helpers and two carers for patients who require round-the-clock assistance. Gozo Bishop Mario Grech is with the group.

In Lourdes, the 18 haemodialysis patients will get their treatment at the Centre de Dialyse Saint Jean Le Baptiste tomorrow. They will be going for treatment in two or three shifts depending on availability at the centre. The 10 patients on peritoneal who are not carrying their own bulky equipment will be making use of equipment being made available by Baxter Travel Club.

The 10-day HSBC Lifecycle Strait to Africa will this year start on August 14 in Lourdes from where the cyclists will cross over to Spain and Gibraltar, finishing in Morocco. This is the first time Lifecycle is venturing out of Europe.

Donations to Lifecycle can be made via SMS on 5061 7378 (€2.33), 5061 8927 (€6.99) and 5061 9219 (€11.65).

www.lifecyclechallenge.com