Forty riders to cycle 720 kilometres for breast cancer research

Forty cyclists will be cycling 720km from London to Brussels to Paris in aid of breast cancer research, to raise funds through the Malta Airport ALIVE 2013 Cycling Challenge for Cancer which will go towards breast cancer research projects funded by the University's Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT).

Present for the conference were the President's wife Margaret Abela, the Prime minister's wife Michelle Muscat and the Opposition Leander's wife Kate Gonzi.

ALIVE secretary Elton Barry, also one of the cyclists taking part, said this challenge will be the first in a series of yearly activities which will be targeted for a specific cancer each year.

The idea, he said, arose while he was in hospital after having suffered a third heart attack.

"I then decided it was time for me to do something good... Something from which others could benefit from," he said.

This year, the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation was chosen. The foundation was set up four years ago to help women learn more about breast cancer and provide support though education campaigns.

Chairperson Helen Muscat, a cancer survivor who still undergoes treatment, said Malta has done extremely well to set up a breast screening unit where women are not made to feel as patients.

"Science is changing and we are learning so much more about this disease. From screening, we moved on to providing equipment to the hospital. This was our own way of showing thanks," she said, adding that the  equipment included biopsy guns, microscope and pigmentation gun for the nipple reconstruction.

RIDT Chairperson Wilfred Kenely said the money raised will go towards research carried out at the University aimed at learning more about cancer and how to treat it.

"Research is important because, even though it has a long-term effect, the end result impacts hundreds," Kenely said.

On his part, Malta International Airport spokesman Reuben Sciberras said MIA was proud to be associated with such an initiative.

"Over the years, our company has remained committed to society and this particular challenge, while promoting a healthy sports activity, is also addressing a key area: that of raining funds for research projects in breast cancer."

Sciberras said it was important that corporate entities look at similar activities which although might not have short-term results, can lead to middle and long-term effects with considerable impact on the quality of life of a number of people.