The Actavis Lifecycle Challenge will this year head to Asia, with participants pedalling their way across Japan to raise cash to combat kidney disease.

At the launch of the 2014 event at Mater Dei Hospital’s renal unit, Lifecycle co-founder Alan Curry said: “We know there are other charities out there, so we are upping our game. Some might look at the destinations we choose and think ‘that makes for a good holiday’ but let me assure you this is hard work and definitely not a holiday.”

In the 16th edition of the challenge, cyclists will undertake a gruelling two-week haul from Fukouka to Tokyo.

Let me assure you this is hard work and definitely not a holiday

Funds raised will go towards a new 24-hour dialysis service and the employment of a full-time dietician at the renal unit. Last year, the foundation donated an eight-seat van to provide transport for patients of the night shift dialysis service. Unit nursing officer Paul Calleja said the van was essential for patients who worked or studied during normal office hours.

“We have patients who are breadwinners and need four hours of dialysis three times a week. Patients definitely cannot drive after this treatment, so the van allows them to lead regular lives. This service is essential,” he said.

Organisers of the challenge also presented the Research Trust with a cheque for €70,000 for studies into kidney disease, which will be carried out at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine.

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