ALIVE Charity Foundation has donated €80,000 to the Research Trust of the University of Malta (RIDT) to further the University of Malta specialised programme in breast cancer research.  The generous sum was collected by ALIVE cyclists who bravely ventured into the Malta Airport – ALIVE2014 Cycling Challenge for Cancer – a gruelling marathon covering almost 1,100 km in seven days across five countries from Prague to Belgrade.

ALIVE Charity Foundation Chairperson Nicky Camilleri, on behalf of ALIVE committee members, main sponsor Malta International Airport, all supporting sponsors, participants and friends, presented the donation to University of Malta Rector and RIDT Chairperson  Professor Juanito Camilleri, in the presence of Action for Breast Cancer Foundation committee member Betty Lee, Europa Donna – Malta President Gertrude Abela and Malta International Airport CEO Markus Klaushofer.

Mr Nicky Camilleri said: “ALIVE2014 was another successful event during which 45 cyclists raised funds for breast cancer research in Malta.  For two consecutive years, we have worked closely with two organisations: Action for Breast Cancer Foundation and Europe Donna, and through ALIVE2013 University graduate Shawn Baldacchino was awarded a 3-year scholarship in PhD in breast cancer research. In the coming weeks, more scholarships will be awarded in this field, thanks to the funds raised this year.”

The money will benefit mainly a second PhD science student in breast cancer research under the tutorship of Professor Christian Scerri  and Dr Godfrey Grech at the University of Malta and in collaboration with Mater Dei Hospital.

ALIVE2015 will be launched soon. Following discussions with the University’s Research Trust, ALIVE Charity Foundation will be taking the task of raising funds for the gold ribbon, which is the official ribbon of children with cancer. ALIVE’s new slogan for the forthcoming challenge is ‘Closer to our Hearts’, will sustain their new cause towards the urgent need of scientific research in children’s cancers which can have different characteristics than those seen in adults.

On receiving the donation, Professor Camilleri said: “Investing in research is a long-term mission. With this money, the University is able to sustain further crucial scientific research in breast cancer.  We depend on the generosity of the Maltese community and it is encouraging to note that the University Research Trust is now being recognised as a good cause that deserves support.”

Malta International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer Markus Klaushofer said: “We would like to congratulate the ALIVE organisational team and participants for yet another successful challenge and for the fantastic result they have achieved. On a personal level, it was a real thrill to join the cyclists for one of the rides from Vienna, and really experience the challenge first hand, with my Maltese friends in my home town. We encourage ALIVE to continue to build on these initiatives which drive awareness and stimulate scientific research in the field, which will meaningfully impact the quality of life of cancer patients.”

The ALIVE 2014 Cycling Challenge was sponsored by Malta International Airport and supported by Sky Spirits Fitness Lounge, Impressions Print, Signs and Displays, Go & Fun, Debenhams, Gollcher Group, Pizza Petrus, Garmin, Express Group and KPMG amongst others.