As the number of Maltese treated in the UK continues to rise, Puttinu Cares is looking for property that would accommodate most of them, translating into one less headache for patients and their relatives.
Over the past six years, the number of those receiving treatment in the UK has nearly doubled – from 476 people in 2010 to 823 last year.
Treatment was provided last year in over 50 hospitals, mainly around London. Patients can spend anything between a few days and two years in the UK.
Puttinu Cares already owns 19 apartments in Sutton, which mainly host those receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where 94 patients needed treatment in 2016.
Still, a good number of people also receive treatment in hospitals located in central London. A total of 122 patients were seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital, 76 at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and 61 people received treatment at the National Hospital last year.
Puttinu was paying €800,000 a year on accommodation expenses for accompanying relatives, co-founder Rennie Zerafa told this newspaper. The government covers treatment, transport and accommodation costs for all patients and also flights for child patients and their parents. Out of the 19 apartments in Sutton, 12 were built from scratch after pulling down a house on Cheam Road.
Mr Zerafa noted that before the project kicked off, the plan was to build nine instead of 12 flats. Puttinu was only given the go-ahead for the additional three after Michael Cohen, then president of the Local Councils’ Association, got in touch with a member of the Sutton council.
The 19 apartments, which Mr Zerafa said were “owned by the Maltese”, cost €200,000 a year to maintain. This sum covers insurance, local taxes, utility bills, internet services and a Maltese telephone line in each apartment. The bill includes the rent for another six apartments (€60,000 every six months).
The Cheam Road project cost €3.5 million, which was meant to be paid over 10 years. However, the Maltese generosity was such that enough funds were collected to cover the debt in just three years.
This gave Puttinu renewed hope in finding properties closer to London’s centre, and it is already in touch with estate agents.
So far, the most feasible property, which would accommodate about 40 families, is in Paddington and costs €18.5 million.
However, Puttinu continues to look for alternative spaces.
Mr Zerafa acknowledged that the sum was rather challenging. But he believes such an investment for future generations would ultimately save the Maltese people hundreds of thousands of pounds that now go into renting apartments.
And, as time goes by, the actual value of the property will increase.
“Puttinu Cares has been a miracle so far. It is challenging to collect the money, but the people’s generosity has surpassed all our expectations.
“We are now calling on the Maltese people again to help us invest in new property and on politicians to help up with their advice and connections. We will only make it if we work together,” Mr Zerafa said.
Log on to www.puttinucares.org for more information on how to help.
Donations of €6.99 can be made on 5061 8939, and donors can also call on 5160 2007 to give €10, 5170 2006 to give €15 and 5180 2008 to give €25.
The next big event held for the charity will be the 60-hour football and volleyball marathon, planned for September 22-24.