Forty cyclists will be covering an endurance route of 720 km, from London to Brussels to Paris, in July to raise funds for breast cancer research in Malta.
The money will go towards breast cancer research projects funded by the University’s Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT).
Called Malta Airport Alive 2013 Cycling Challenge for Cancer, the charity ride is endorsed by the President’s wife Margaret Abela, the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat and the Opposition Leader’s wife Catherine Gonzi.
The initiative was launched by Alive Charity Foundation secretary Elton Barry, in collaboration with Action for Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF), a lobby group of breast cancer survivors and patients.
Alive is a non-profit-making organisation and most of its members are passionate cyclists, each aiming to raise a minimum of €1,800.
Mr Barry said the idea came about when he was lying in hospital following three heart attacks at the age of 36.
Every year, the foundation helps a different cause and ensures that the health and safety of participants in fundraising challenges are taken care of.
Set up in 2007 by Helen Muscat and co-founder Esther Sant, ABCF is an NGO affiliated with the Union for International Cancer Control, Reach to Recovery International and Health Environment Alliance (Brussels).
Ms Muscat, said: “ABCF lobbies constantly in favour of better service and treatment for breast cancer patients.”
RIDT chief executive Wilfred Kenely said: “Alive and ABCF are working together to drive this innovative and concerted initiative, whereby patients and society at large stand to benefit through scientific research conducted at the University.”
The operational costs are estimated to reach €45,000, which will be covered by MIA and a number of other sponsors.
MIA’s head of PR and Corporate Communications Reuben Sciberras said MIA was proud to be associated with such an initiative. It was imperative that other corporate entities looked at similar initiatives.
Donations can be made online at www.alivecharity.com. Those wishing to sponsor a particular participant can click on their picture in The Challenge section or add their name to the transaction description.
Donations can also be made by texting 5061 7364 (€2.33), 50618081 (€4.66), 5061 8913 (€6.99) or 5061 9208 (€11.65); via Paypal to Beneficiary: alivecharityfoundation@gmail.com; or via bank transfer to BOV account no. 4002149804-6.