The Lifecycle team is holding an awareness and fund-raising event at the Valletta Waterfront on Saturday, together with BMX stunts on a purposely-designed ramp along the quay.
After the show, the ramp will be available for members of the public who would be willing to have a go at the experience. The Lifecycle team will be able to engage with the public about the challenge and the organisation’s cause while pursuing training sessions on a static display of stationary bikes, according to Alexandra Bonnici, a past cyclist and back-up team member who is currently managing the organisation’s sponsorship programme. The event kicks off at 6.30pm.
Training for the forthcoming Lifecycle Challenge 2007 is heavily under way, but Lifecycle Organisation has started focusing more of its efforts on initiatives to not only raise money but also to provide lifesaving equipment for the Renal Unit and raise awareness about the causes of end stage renal disease. With this aim in mind, the organisation has embarked on joint initiatives with entities such as St Edward’s Clinic and the Malta Lupus Organisation. One of the diseases that could lead to renal failure is diabetes, particularly if uncontrolled. Hypertension can be another cause. “The incidence of diabetes in Malta is 10 per cent. In order to prevent kidney disease, diabetes has to be controlled and Lifecycle is presently creating an awareness campaign with the public explaining what diabetes is and how to control and prevent it. This campaign will consist of patient information leaflets in Maltese and English which will be distributed in public places, doctor’s clinics, and will be given out by members of the Lifecycle team during public appearances. Talks by leading healthcare professionals will be aired on tv and radio as well and all this information will also be accessible on the Lifecycle website. This awareness campaign will be sponsored by an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline,” explained Anna Miggiani, LC patient link and awareness campaign coordinator.
Persons who would like to meet Lifecycle Organisation are invited to join the team at the Valletta Waterfront on Saturday. Alternatively they can visit the organisation’s website at www.
lifecyclechallenge.com to learn more about the organisation, its cause and 2007 challenge. Donations can be directed to 5061-7356 (Lm1), 5061-8921 (Lm3) and 5061-9218 (Lm5).