The Lifecycle Challenge 2008 will for the first time in 10 years be venturing outside Europe as cyclists will peddle for 2,200 kilometres to raise funds for Renal Unit patients at Mater Dei Hospital.
The funds raised during the challenge, which is sponsored by HSBC Insurance, will be used to take renal patients on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, in France, where the challenge will start.
"A free holiday with dialysis facilities for a hassle-free stay in the miraculous town is a dream come true for renal patients.
"For these people, even a short holiday is impossible unless dialysis facilities are arranged in the visiting country. Fulfilling a wish which alleviates the suffering these people endure every day is a precious gift we are proud to give," Lifecycle chairman Alan Curry said.
After 17 weeks of training, participants will be cycling 200 kilometres a day during the challenge that will span between August 14 and 25.
Head Nurse at the Renal Unit Tony Bugeja said that over the years funds raised during the challenge were used to buy equipment for the Unit.
HSBC Insurance Managing Director Richard Jones said this was a "fantastic cause".
HSBC will be extending its support to the Lifecycle Challenge by organising events for the public to promote regular exercise, healthy eating and outdoor living for a full, long life.
The first of these will be a Family Health and Fun Day at Ta' Qali on April 13.
President Emeritus Guido de Marco, who is an honorary member of the Lifecycle Organisation and suffers from renal problems, praised the Lifecycle initiative that helped so many people like him.
"Just like some people go regularly to a bar, I go regularly to the renal unit. I go there twice a week," he joked.
"Thanks to the kidney machines and the full support of the Renal Unit, we are lucky survivors of the disease," Prof. de Marco said.
Referring to the difficulties a patient encountered to travel and still receive the necessary treatment, he said there needed to be a quality leap forward in facilitating arrangements for treatment in the visiting country.
Cyclists wishing to take part may contact Alan Curry at or info@lifecyclechallenge.com or call 7990 3961. Applications can be downloaded from www.lifecyclechallenge. com.
People wishing to donate money can send an SMS on 5061 7378 for €2.33 (Lm1), 5061 8927 for €6.99 (Lm3); 5061 9219 for €11.65(Lm5). Cheques and postal orders may be sent to Life Cycle Organisation, c/o Renal Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta.
Direct transfers may be made to HSBC (Malta) Account 061 198 792 050 or Bank of Valletta Account 148 14 52 1017.