Young cancer patients burn some rubber

Young cancer patients got a chance to get their mind off their troubles yesterday when they were taken from hospital for an outing organised by car enthusiasts.

Accompanied by their families and nurses, more than 20 children were driven from Mater Dei Hospital in a car of their choice to the Classic Cars Museum, in Qawra, in a parade of bright colours and polished chrome.

Escorted by traffic police, almost 50 drivers made sure it was a memorable experience for their passengers as they showed off the strengths of their classic and modern cars, which ranged from a Mini Minor to the Ford Mustang.

After admiring the extensive collection at the museum the excited boys and girls got to admire and take photographs of the cars they arrived in.

Some also asked the drivers whether they could continue the outing in a different car to enjoy as many of them as they could. Beaming behind tinted windows, the children were then taken to McDonalds for lunch.

The carcade continued to the Aviation Museum where, rather than cars, the boys and girls could admire aircraft.

From there, they went to a nearby racetrack where the Motor Sport Association gave the children a taste of the adrenaline rush experienced by racing drivers.

They were then treated to a breathtaking exhibition by daring motorcyclists before calling it a day with a party at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta' Qali.

The noble initiative was taken by Mark Zammit, a member of the Malta Mini Owners Club, who, after discussing the outing with the Puttinu Cares Children Cancer Support Group, approached other car associations.

"They immediately warmed to the idea. After all, we're not simply car associations but also charitable organisations, especially when it comes to raising awareness," he said.

Those taking part included the Malta Mini Owners Club, American Auto Club Malta, Motorcycle Sport Association, Classic Ford Malta and the Malta Motorsport Association, assisted by the Malta Police Force and St Paul's Bay Local Council.

It was sponsored by the Classic Cars Museum, McDonalds, the Aviation Museum, the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre and James Caterers Limited.

Treating each patient with dignity

The Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Support Group, which was set up seven years ago, is a charitable organisation which assists young cancer patients and their families.

Among its many successful projects, the organisation has completely altered the environment at the Rainbow Ward in Mater Dei Hospital into one which patients and their families can honestly call their second home.

www.puttinucares.org

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com