The annual charity marathon in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation – l-Istrina – was held on Saturday, although with a difference due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The marathon is being broadcast on all local television stations between noon and midnight.

The organisers are hoping that the pandemic will not affect the fundraiser this year. This year’s theme is L-istrina – flimkien b’solidarjeta`, iktar minn qatt qabel (together in solidarity, more than ever before).

The MCCFF uses the funds collected to help people getting medical care abroad and to fund expensive treatment. Over €6.2 million were raised last year.

The foundation has been urging the public to be generous this year, in view of a number of major fundraising events that had to be cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

Over €6.5 million was collected in the fundraiser, exceeding last year's tally.