Thursday, 2nd July 2009
What is the Lifecycle?
This new Lifecycle Organisation blog will be penned by cyclists, backup team and committee members with the aim to keep The Times readers informed about the training and preparations for this year's Betfair Lifecycle Challenge 2009 which will take place between August 6 and 20, from Istanbul in Turkey straight through to Damascus in Syria, as well as testimonials from patients and news during the challenge itself. This first blog will provide general information about the lifecycle Organisation.
Lifecycle Organisation was founded in 1999 to create awareness and generate support for patients suffering from Renal disease. To do this it organises the Lifecycle Challenge, which is one of the toughest endurance events in Europe, where a dedicated team of Maltese men and women cycle against the elements in a long distance ride through different countries all over the world. This event covers an average of 2,000km in a mere 10 days and is held annually in the summer months.
By putting such an extreme event together, the Lifecycle Organisation intends to attract the Maltese public's attention to the plight of patients at the Renal Unit, and to encourage generous donations from the public and companies. In past editions, this Organisation has raised a considerable sum of money, helping the government to cover the approximate figure of €25,000 / year per renal patient.
Currently there are over 250 patients suffering from Renal disease in Malta and Gozo, 80 of whom are waiting for a kidney transplant, and they all require dialysis treatment, either at home or at the Renal Unit. Each patient undergoes a certain number of hours of dialysis to filter his or her blood. They can just drink a limited amount of fluid each day so as not to stress their kidneys unduly. Without dialysis these patients would die. Lifecycle members and the general public are encouraged to offer support to these patients who must make their way to the renal unit three times a week for their four hour dialysis sessions. Our Organisation is there to help out in whatever way we can to help them to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Now in its eleventh successful year, the Lifecycle organisation works to create awareness and generate support for patients suffering from renal disease, and works closely with the Renal Unit at the Mater Dei Hospital in Malta. To date, 276 cyclists and 200 backup team members have taken part in all Lifecycle Challenges.
The challenge covers 2000km over 12 days and the cyclists have to cover between 180 and 220km a day (equivalent to over 8 hours of cycling) - often against all odds, rain, shine, pain or strain. There are times when some cyclists fail to cope as the physical and mental stresses are beyond most people's imagination. Yet the cyclists are driven to achieve and always have in mind the Renal failure patients they have met before they embarked on this challenge.
Prior to this challenge, a number of members work tirelessly from months ahead to raise the necessary sponsorships and gather the required resources. In the meantime the cyclists have to follow a rigorous daily training programme in all conditions to build the physical and mental stamina required for the main event.
There is also a solid backup team who, in the run up to the challenge, spend hours working on logistics, sponsorships, public relations and media. During the challenge they work round the clock to feed, boost morale and keep track of the cyclists, not to mention the physiotherapists and doctors who work hard to restore the cyclist's fitness in the minimum time humanly possible.
The Lifecycle Organisation is a licensed charity NGO. Nr: 670184604 and all the funds raised are donated to the Ministry of Health.
Donations can be made through landlines on 5004 9065 - €10, 5004 9060 - €20 and by SMS on 5061 8920 - €6.99, 5061 9229 - €11.65. Lifecycle thanks you in advance for your generosity.
RSS
Comments
Being the founder member and husband of a patient I can assure you that the sponsor money is in good hands.
Life Cycle, because of its extremity and the commitment required has always had those who feel antagonized towards it but the majority see the event for what it is and that is a wonderful challenge, done by extraordinary people for a worthy cause.
My advice boys is to contact me and I will gladly meet with you and hopefully convince you not only to support us but to join us for this amazing event”.
I fail to see why you are insinuating such things online, instead of simply contacting Life Cycle Committee for more information. These people are doing a great job and merit your support.