The Malta Independent 10 February 2025, Monday
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Visually impaired man raises €11,554 for Puttinu Cares by walking year-long marathon around terrace

Friday, 17 January 2025, 17:04 Last update: about 23 days ago

A visually impaired 86-year-old man named Joseph Mallia, also known as Josie, has raised €11,554 by completing a year-long marathon around his elderly home's balcony. He has donated all these funds to Puttinu Cares.

Mallia began walking 1,000 steps every day on Boxing Day, 2023. Fast-forward just over a year later and he has accumulated 350,000 steps to complete his marathon, despite his lack of vision and limited mobility.

For the entire duration of his marathon, Mallia was limited to the terrace of the elderly home he resides in: Dar l-Annunzjata, Tarxien.

The idea to cover a marathon distance came about during a physiotherapy after he had experienced a hip fracture. He was recommended to walk with the use of a walking aid, in spite of his loss of sight.

He had told the Times of Malta in March last year that prior to his retirement, he had always walked around his hometown of Santa Luċija. Once he moved into Dar l-Annunzjata, Mallia underwent a "serious heart intervention" which later limited his motion to just walking. Following this news, he began walking as much as he could.

Mallia had lost one of his three children, Paul, to leukaemia at just 16 years old. This occurred over four decades ago, yet is the reason behind why he chose to achieve this feat for the cancer support group, Puttinu Cares.

The group published the news on their social media platforms earlier this afternoon, stating that "Despite being visually impaired and facing health challenges, Joseph has proven to be an inspiration to us all. His courage, determination, and strength remind us to never give up."


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