Puttinu Cares Children's Cancer Support Group was awarded the European Citizen’s Prize 2013 during a ceremony at Europe House in Valletta this evening.

The support group is one of 43 winners of the prize, launched by the European Parliament in 2008 to recognise exceptional achievements by Europeans.

The Maltese charity was jointly nominated by MEPs David Casa and Joseph Cuschieri.

The national jury that evaluated the nominee was made up of MEPs Claudette Abela Baldacchino, David Casa, Joseph Cuschieri, Roberta Metsola and Marlene Mizzi.

During this evening's ceremony Mr Casa said: "Puttinu Cares is an inspirational organisation that concretely helps Maltese families during what must be the most difficult time of their lives. They are most deserving of our praise and admiration and indeed of the award we are here to present them with today.”

Mr Cuschieri said: “ever since Puttinu Cares was set up in 2002, its members never stopped working hard to improve the environment in which children are given treatment, and to raise the necessary funds every so often. Our sense of solidarity as a united country reflects the determination of the Maltese and Gozitans to help each other whenever and wherever necessary.”

Puttinu Cares co-founder Rennie Zerafa – who received the award together with fellow co-founder Victor Calvagna said the success of the foundation was based on three fundamental principles:

* mutual respect for each other and above all giving dignity to each patient by working hard to alleviate some of their suffering;

* honesty and maintaining transparency in whatever we do, and being able to select the right volunteers who believe in the foundation’s principles; and

* values.