Alistair Attard decided to combine his love of cycling with doing something for charity and together with a group of other cyclists he yesterday boarded a plane to Iceland.

“This is my first time taking part in the Lifecycle Challenge and there is a range of mixed emotions,” the 21-year-old said yesterday at the airport.

He had been wishing to take part for a number of years but when he heard that this year’s challenge was going to take place in Iceland, Mr Attard decided to go for it.

Now running into its 17th edition, the Lifecycle Malta Challenge helps raise funds for renal patients. Mr Attard joined a group of 13 cyclists and a backup team of 10 to cycle a gruelling 2,000km around the island on mountain bikes. They were seen off by their friends and family yesterday morning at the airport.

The training and preparation before the challenge was also very “challenging” together with finding sponsors, he pointed out. Mr Attard added: “I’m really excited – I have trained but I don’t know what will happen.” Meanwhile, a veteran of the challenge also left for Iceland yesterday as 62-year-old William Saliba decided to take part in his ninth consecutive Lifecycle. “I don’t know why I have been doing it for so long – each year I say to myself that it’s the last time but then once the aches and pains pass, I change my mind and end up applying for the next challenge”. Taking part in Lifecycle was like being with “close family,” he said.

The aim of Lifecycle is to raise awareness about renal disease and raise funds for the necessary equipment needed to upgrade the renal unit at Mater Dei Hospital. It also helps increase the quality of life of renal patients.

The challenge will come to an end on July 17. Those interested in donating can send a text message to 5061 7370 for €2.33, 5061 8920 for €6.99, 5061 9229 for €11.65 or call 5160 2020 to donate €10, 5170 2005 for €15, or 5180 2006 for €25.