London flats for young Maltese patients opened

The three apartments in Sutton, London where Maltese children receiving cancer treatment can stay together with their carers have just been inaugurated by Catherine Gonzi, chairman of the HSBC Cares for Children's Fund.

The fully-furnished, two-bedroomed apartments, situated 20 minutes walking distance from the Royal Marsden Hospital, where children are treated for cancer, were acquired by Puttinu Cares, the voluntary foundation that looks after children suffering from cancer, in collaboration with the HSBC Cares for Children's Fund.

Family members of five children being treated at the Royal Marsden are staying at the apartments.

Mrs Gonzi noted that the apartments are the fruit of hard work by volunteers and the generosity and solidarity of the Maltese people, HSBC Malta and other entities.

Victor Calvagna, chairman of Puttinu Cares, thanked HSBC for facilitating the purchase of the apartments, both financially and in terms of better conditions for loan payments. Dr Calvagna said that once the balance over the three apartments was settled, Puttinu Cares would be able to make similar arrangements for adults receiving treatment for cancer in the UK.

The apartments were blessed by Archbishop Paul Cremona.