LifeCycle Malta Foundation makes donation to university

LifeCycle Malta Foundation has once more made a donation of €25,000 to the University of Malta Research Trust to be utilised within the Kidney Research Programme. The funds raised have been collected while preparing for the Foster Clark’s Lifecycle Challenge ‘On the Tribal Trail’ that will take cyclists from Kenya to Tanzania.

The Head of Secretariat from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, Ryan Borg, was present for the donation ceremony held at the Rector’s Office, University of Malta Msida Campus. In his speech, Mr Borg, stressed that this is a clear example of solidarity that emerges from sports. He also thanked Lifecycle for their hard work and looks forward to working together.

University Rector, Professor Alfred J. Vella, received the donation as Chairman of RIDT. He thanked Lifecycle Malta Foundation for their generosity and expressed that this is a clear example of community engagement in support of medical research at the University of Malta.

The LifeCycle Kidney Research Programme was set up thanks to a donation of €70,000 by the LifeCycle Malta Foundation to the University of Malta Research Trust in 2014. Since then, much ground has been covered. A kidney disease biobank was established and the research projection of the genetics of congenital kidney disease in Maltese children was launched with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients. Research is also being carried out on adult diabetic nephropathy, which refers to the kidney disorders secondary to type 2 diabetes, a common disease and a common complication.

The funds donated by LifeCycle Malta Foundation will be used to further this research with the specific objectives of establishing a high quality kidney disease DNA and other samples to serve as tools for investigation; characterising the genetics underlying congenital kidney disease in children and developing tools for diagnosis in families; and uncovering the genetics and progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in adults.

The LifeCycle Organisation was founded in 1999 to create awareness and generate support for patients suffering from end stage renal disease. To do this it organizes the LifeCycle Challenge, which is one of the most gruelling endurance events in Europe, pitting a dedicated team of Maltese cyclists against the elements in a long distance ride through different countries all over the world. In 2011 LifeCycle officially became LifeCycle (Malta) Foundation (http://www.lifecyclechallenge.com).

Founder Alan Curry stated that said that the organisation was grateful to all those who support and sponsor the Foundation, in particular the title sponsor Foster Clark’s Ltd. who has been of immense support, through sponsorship and collaboration as well as logistically.