Forty cyclists will be covering an endurance route of 720km from London to Paris through Brussels to raise funds for breast cancer research in Malta.
The funds will go towards breast cancer research projects funded by the University’s Research, Innovation and Development Trust.
Called Malta Airport ALIVE 2013 Cycling Challenge for Cancer, the charity ride project is endorsed by Margaret Abela, Michelle Muscat and Catherine Gonzi, the President’s, Prime Minister’s and leader of the Opposition’s wives, respectively.
ALIVE is a non-profit making organisation which has taken up the commitment of supporting charities by organising diverse fund raising events. Most of ALIVE members are passionate cyclists and each will aim to raise a minimum of €1,800 for this fund.
Foundation secretary Elton Barry said the idea for the challenge came about when he was lying in hospital following three heart attacks at the age of 36 as he was taking stock of what he had done to leave the world a better place than the one he grew up in.
He said: “Our aim is to invest in long term benefits, such as the current project related to research in breast cancer, while raising awareness. Every year, ALIVE helps a different cause. We always strive to ensure that the health and safety of all participants in our fund-raising challenges are taken care of and everybody walks away with a positive experience."
Alive 2013 is sponsored by Malta Airport and is supported by the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund, QuickFocus.com part of 6PM Group, Impressions Print Possibilities, SpringBox Media, Garmin Malta, and ROCS Group. Other community sponsors include BUFF Malta, B&G Hardware Store and Falzon Group of Companies.
People interested in taking part should apply by April 13 e-mail: alivecyclingchallenge@gmail.com or alivecharityfoundation@gmail.com.
Donations to ALIVE 2013 can be made online www.alivecharity.com or by sending an SMS on 50617364 (€2.33); 50618081 (€4.66); 50618913 (€6.99); and 50619208 (€11.65) or via paypal to: alivecharityfoundation@gmail.com or bank transfer: Account No - BOV 4002149804-6 Alive Charity Foundation, Bank's Bic - VALLMTMT, IBAN- MT85 VALL 2201 3000 0000 4002 1498 046.