Updated | L-Istrina raises more than €6 million and it's another record

Updated at 00.14am

A record-breaking €6 million plus have been collected in the 12-hour charity telethon L-Istrina, surpassing last year's record sum by half-a-million euros.

Closing the event, which was broadcast live, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca thanked the Maltese for being generous. "I am proud to be Maltese," she said.

Earlier today the telethon reached the €1 million mark in less than three hours, in the biggest fundraising marathon of the year. 

L-Istrina, which is being held in aid of Malta Community Chest Fund, kicked off for its 19th edition  at Kirkop Sports Complex this morning. 

In a message in the run-up to L-Istrina, Preisdent Marie-Louise Colerio Preca said the Malta Community Chest Fund had been transformed to make it more relevant to today's needs.

She said MCCF is now a registered foundation with its own legal personality and an organised framework of specific targets.

"Thanks to the generosity of the people of Malta and Gozo, which is so evident during L-Istrina, we are able to provide specialised treatment and care for people living with cancer and other severe chronic illnesses," she said.

The President kicked off the event at noon, accompanied by the Prime Minister, the Opposition leader and the Archbishop.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that L-Istina was synonymous with the day after Christmas. He praised young Katriel who in his inspirational message urged all to help others.

A 12-hour variety show will follow, with well-known personalities helping out at the event. It is broadcoasted throughout the day on all local TV stations.

A record of €5.5 million were donated during last year's marathon.