For the past nine consecutive years, LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation has been supporting renal patients in joining the Lourdes pilgrimage held every August.  

This year, thirteen patients accompanied by two medical doctors, four renal nurses and two priests joined other pilgrims on their journey to Lourdes. The pilgrimage is organised every year from Malta by Assoċjazzjoni Volontarji Lourdes.

While at Lourdes, the group participated in religious ceremonies including the international mass, the adoration of the Holy Eucharist and opportunities to receive the Sacraments including the Anointing of the Sick, visits to the Piscines (Baths) as well as visits to the internationally renowned Grotto.

“Around four months prior to departure, we plan for the dialysis needs, which involve a lot of organisation. At Lourdes, the patients need to continue with their treatment of haemodialysis, so we have to ensure that every personal and practical care is available,” said Josette Parnis, Renal Unit Head Nurse, Mater Dei Hospital. 

“Apart from providing them with both therapeutic and spiritual support, thanks to LifeCycle Foundation and their sponsors, this pilgrimage offers the patients the opportunity to travel and have better quality time,” added Ms Parnis.

LifeCycle Founder Alan Curry said: “It is difficult for persons suffering from kidney failure to travel on their own. Thanks to the accompanying medical staff, the renal patients have peace of mind that they can still receive their treatment while in Lourdes and enjoy the experience.  We are confident that our yearly support is very beneficial for them.”

LifeCycle Foundation has been doing sterling work for renal patients as well as offering support to their families for the past 21 years.

Nescafé 3in1 is the title sponsor of LifeCycle Challenge 2019. Nestlé Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Alfred J Borg said: “It is encouraging to note that our LifeCycle Challenge sponsorship is doing so much for renal patients while inspiring, among others, LifeCyclists, the caring medical stuff and nurses, other donors, and the patients’ families.”

Donations can be made by Revolut on 99329101 via sms: 5061 7370 = €2.33; 5061 8920 = €6.99; 5061 9229 = €11.65; or via a call to 5160 2020 = €10, 5170 2005 = €15; and 5180 2006 = €25. Bank details are Swift code VALLMTMT, IBAN number MT 18 VALL 22013000000014814521017, Bank name Bank of Valletta, Account number 14814521017.

Nescafé 3in1 LifeCycle Challenge has been supported by DataCore, Laferla Insurance, Nexia BT, Paddy Power Betfair Ltd, The Basement Bar, BPC International Ltd, Alfred Mizzi Foundation, Tri-mer and The Vodafone Malta Foundation, as Platinum sponsors, OzoGroup, PAVI-PAMA PG Group and GO plc as Gold sponsors, Smart Technologies, MGI Malta, Strek, MAPFRE MSV Life, MedServ, APS Bank, Ernst and Young Ltd and AQA Capitol as Silver sponsors. While among the Bronze sponsors there are: Logografix Signs Pace & Pace, Top Choice, MA & A, DSL, Eucerin, BridgePoint, Malta Properties, RS2, Maypole, Dino Fino, Gamesys employees, Carmelo Delia, Crane Currency Malta Ltd, Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors, Globex Freight Management Ltd, Omni Freight Services Ltd, KSI Malta, Medelec, Satariano, BNF Bank, MCE, AB Wholesale and Trades, 1st Cospicua Scouts Group, Gasan Mamo Insurance, Fexserv Financial Services, MFF Ltd., Hal-Tmiem Butcher, FINCO, Mercury plc, Hilltop Gardens Retirement Village, Complete Supplies Ltd., Red Box Advertising, Saracino’s Cafe, Il-Bitha ta’ Doni, Corinthia Palace Hotel Co. Ltd, and Nature Valley.

For further information visit: www.lifecyclefoundation.com or on Fb: https://www.facebook.com/LifeCycleChallenge/