Non-stop football raises funds for young cancer patients
The 60-hour marathon aim is to build six studio apartments
Hundreds of people rolled up their sleeves this weekend to help raise €387,525. in aid of young cancer patients during the weekend Puttinu Cares football marathon.
Over 10,000 people formed 800 teams to play matches of five- and seven-a-side and played non-stop during the 60 hours of the marathon, organised to help raise money to ease the burdens of families whose children suffer from cancer.
Now in its sixth year, the marathon started on Friday at 10 a.m. and ended yesterday at 10 p.m. at the Marsa Sports Complex.
Angele Cuschieri, vice chairman of Puttinu Cares committee, said she was very satisfied with this year's turnout, which was much higher than last year.
"This year we did not set any targets but, instead, wanted to raise awareness about our cause and, considering the huge number of people who turned up, I think we fulfilled our aim," she said.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi stopped by the marathon yesterday morning to chat with the volunteers and encourage people to donate money for the good cause.
Snacking on a strawberry doughnut and helping himself to a few chips when he stopped to speak to the people working in the kitchen of a fast food outlet, Dr Gonzi said Puttinu Cares made "small miracles" every day.
Over 400 patients have to undergo cancer treatment in England, a trip that easily amounts to thousands of euros every month for the relatives accompanying them.
Last year, the marathon set a target and collected €460,000 to buy three apartments in Sutton, close to the Royal Marsden Hospital. These provide accommodation to Maltese families who need to go abroad for cancer treatment.
The aim of this year's marathon is to build six studio apartments in Sutton to be used by the Maltese. "This is our dream. We want the Maltese to build a place for the Maltese," Ms Cuschieri said.