LifeCycle Malta once again sponsored kidney patients joining the Assoċjazzjoni Voluntarji Lourdes (AVL) pilgrimage to Lourdes. Thanks to the generous support of those who contribute to the LifeCycle Challenge, the foundation continues to make this journey possible, year after year.
Twelve kidney patients, living with ongoing health challenges, were given the chance to experience rest, peace, and reflection - a trip that would not have been possible without support. The group was accompanied by three nurses and a doctor from the Mater Dei Hospital Renal Unit, ensuring that dialysis and medical care continued seamlessly during their time in Lourdes.
LifeCycle Malta chairman Alan Curry commented: "This is a trip which we fund and support every year as many of the renal patients are unable to travel independently owing to the necessity of their dialysis treatment. Lifecycle recognises that for some this is their only break from the ongoing treatment they have to endure and it's wonderful to know these people have benefitted from our efforts and will continue to do so."
As part of its ongoing fundraising efforts, LifeCycle Malta Foundation is preparing for its next major event, the LifeCycle Challenge 2025. This year's edition will take cyclists from Petra in Jordan to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, covering around 2,000km over 10 days.
The challenge, taking place between 13 and 28 November, will see participants cross desert terrain, coastal roads, and historic landscapes across two countries. These visits mark the 56th and 57th countries since the LifeCycle Challenge began, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting kidney health in Malta.
Since its inception in 1999, the foundation has raised nearly €4 million. In addition to the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for kidney patients, the LifeCycle Malta Foundation supports medical research and essential services for kidney disease patients. These include the RIDT Kidney Research Programme, TRACCIA Software Support System for matching kidney donors and recipients, new dialysis couches, a patient transport van and the Rush Initiative - a comprehensive support hub for renal patients in Malta.
The 2025 LifeCycle Challenge is supported by the main sponsor Nescafé and other sponsors among whom are Hili Ventures, Government of Malta Social Causes Fund, Smart Technologies Ltd, Brown's Pharmacy, M&Z plc, Nuun Hydration, JPA, Laferla Insurance and Valletta Waterfront.
Donations to the LifeCycle Foundation can be made via Revolut on 9932 9101, by PayPal on https://buff.ly/35g17CC and via SMS: 5061 7370 for €2.33; 5061 8920 for €6.99; 5061 9229 for €11.65; or via a call to 5160 2020 for €10; 5170 2005 for €15 and 5180 2006 for €25.
Donations can be made also via bank transfers on Swift code VALLMTMT, IBANMT18VALL22013000000014814521017, with the bank name being Bank of Valletta, and account number 14814521017.
The LifeCycle Foundation is registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations - VO/0529
For more information, one can visit https://lifecyclefoundation.com or https://www.facebook.com/LifeCycleChallenge