Lifesaving equipment, namely five automated peritoneal dialysis machines, was this morning donated to Mater Dei’s Renal Unit by the Lifecycle team.

These machines, which will be used in homes, replace the work of healthy kidneys by cleansing the body of poisonous fluids, enabling the patients to lead a more independent lifestyle.

Chairman Alan Curry told timesofmalta.com that last year’s funds were not as much as Lifecycle had hoped to collect because of the economic climate.

The organisation was this year hoping to raise €200,000 and although this was a tough task, it was well on its way to achieving it.

Another aim was to get another 1,000 people signed on the donor register.

A total of 40 cyclists of 10 different nationalities have been training since April for this year’s challenge of an 11-day trip from Venice to Manchester starting on August 15.

The 2,100 kilometre route is considered one of the toughest bike routes in Europe. A hill climb at Switzerland’s St Gotthard Pass will be dedicated to Cliff Micallef, who died last year after he was hit by a car while training for Lifecycle.

Founded in 1999, Lifecycle works to create awareness and raise funds and support for patients suffering from renal disease.

Donations can be made through the website www.lifecyclechallenge.com or by texting 5061 7370 to donate €2.33, 5061 8920 for €7 and 5061 9229 for €11.65. You can also phone 5004 9065 to give €10, 5004 9060 for €20 and 5004 9063 for €50.