The LifeCycle Malta Foundation has made its annual contribution to the University of Malta's Research Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT) to support ongoing kidney disease research. This donation of €25,000, part of the proceeds from the 2024 LifeCycle Challenge, brings the Foundation's total contributions to the RIDT to €295,000 since 2014.
The funds were formally presented by Alan Curry, founder and chairman of LifeCycle Malta, to Prof. Alfred J. Vella, rector of the University and chairperson of the RIDT. The event was also attended by Prof. Simon Fabri, pro-rector for Research; Wilfred Kenely, CEO of the RIDT; Dr Christian Zammit, head of the Department of Anatomy and the leading researchers involved in this study.
This year's funding will primarily support research into the genetics of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common inherited kidney disorder in Malta. Led by Prof. Edith Said and Prof. Emanuel Farrugia, this research has identified unique genetic markers that are crucial for early diagnosis and risk assessment of kidney disease, promising to transform local medical practices upon the establishment of the genetic diagnostic profile tailored to the local population.
The LifeCycle Malta Foundation has been pivotal in expanding the Kidney Research programme, initiated with a €70,000 donation in 2014. Significant achievements include the creation of a kidney disease biobank and critical studies into congenital kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy.
The LifeCycle Challenge, the Foundation's main fundraising event, successfully covered 2,000 kilometres from Botswana to the Cape of Good Hope in 2024, under the theme Journey of Good Hope. This year the team will be heading to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, cycling all the way from Petra to Jeddah.
Since its inception in 1999, the Foundation has raised nearly €4 million. In addition to research, the LifeCycle Malta Foundation supports essential services for kidney disease patients. These include the Traccia Software Support System for matching kidney donors and recipients, new dialysis couches, a patient transport van, the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for kidney patients and the Rush Initiative - a comprehensive support hub for renal patients in Malta.
The 2024 LifeCycle Challenge was supported by Nescafé as the main sponsor, together with Hili Ventures, Smart Technologies Limited, Laferla, JPA, GasanMamo Insurance, APS Bank, Agora Estates plc, Valletta Waterfront and Crane Currency, among others.
For more information visit https://lifecyclefoundation.com or https://www.facebook.com/LifeCycleChallenge