Gaming consultant Bjorn Formosa, founder of ALS Malta, is organising a massive "ice bucket challenge" in order to raise awareness and raise funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Mr Formosa was recently diagnosed with ALS himself. Speaking with this newsroom, he mentioned that he began showing symptoms a year ago and was diagnosed a few months back. "Last year the ALS international organisation launched the ice bucket challenge as a fundraising event and has re-launched the challenge this year".
Mr Formosa mentioned that a considerable number of people have already confirmed their attendance, and that following the event a number of other companies and football clubs will be nominated to continue the challenge.
He explained that there is currently no cure for ALS and that it would take many years to find one, adding that currently there is only one medication which slows progression by a maximum of three months. The majority of research currently focusses on slowing progression, he added.
"When I was diagnosed, there wasn't much space for future plans, so I thought I would just go to a Caribbean island somewhere and spend my life there, however over time I changed my mind and wanted to do something to help fight to help further treatment for the disease". As such, Bjorn created ALS Malta with the support of various people.
The event will occur tomorrow, Thursday 13 August at 6.30 pm at the Ta' Xbiex Yacht Marina, next to the Black Pearl.
Those who donate €10 at the event will receive an ALS Malta t-shirt. The event will see water poured through two "big bucket trucks" and over 100 buckets of water.
The event will also feature live music by Roger Tirazona and Jessica Muscat. The event is being produced in collaboration with the Ta' Xbiex local council.
Last summer saw the ice bucket challenge travel round the globe in what can best be described as one of the best awareness campaigns seen on the web.