February had a pleasant surprise in store for family Schembri from Tarxien, when it was informed by Corinthia Hotels chairman Karmenu Vella that it had been selected as the first Maltese family to benefit from funds collected by Corinthia Hotels in Malta on behalf of the international Beyond The Moon charitable association for children with life-threatening conditions.

Marisa and Mario Schembri have two children, Mirabelle, aged eight and Manuel, aged six, both suffering from leukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder that effects the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Through the collection of funds raised by Corinthia’s four hotels in Malta, Beyond the Moon will be giving members of the Schembri family the opportunity to spend valuable quality time in each other’s company and to enjoy a memorable, completely cost-free and care-free overseas vacation far away from hospitals and daily treatments.

The Schembri family was selected by Beyond the Moon experts in consultation with the paediatric department of St Luke’s Hospital following a number of nominations made by Corinthia employees

Last year, Corinthia Hotels adopted the Belgium-based international non-profit charitable association as its Corinthia in the Community Partner throughout its chain of hotels in 11 destinations. Eligible children from the community or country in which the funds are collected are nominated either by the hotel collecting the funds, or else by professional Beyond the Moon contacts in that particular destination, in consultation with the local medical authorities.

For more information visit www.beyondthemoon.org or contact Pascale Sommers at: Zandstraat 27k, 2223 Schriek, Belgium – Tel./Fax: +32(0)-1523-3682 – email: info@

beyondthemoon.org.