The GasanMamo Point 2 Point Challenge (P2P) was completed on last weekend, raising vital funds and awareness for Hospice Malta and The Children in Need Foundation.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, September 27, but postponed due to adverse weather, the challenge saw participants Daniel Abela, Douglas Barbaro Sant, and Joseph Casha take on an extraordinary test of endurance, covering 80 kilometres in 11 hours and 35 minutes.
Setting off in the early hours of Sunday morning from San Dimitri Point in Gozo, they ran through the island’s dark, silent streets, the first light of sunrise offering a glimmer of hope for the long day ahead.
The sea crossing proved even tougher than expected, with strong currents and heavy swells forcing them to fight for every stroke as they made their way to Armier in Malta.
From there, the gruelling heat on the bike leg added to the strain, though encouragement and support at various intervals along the route lifted their spirits.
Support took many forms, with fellow runners, swimmers, and cyclists joining in various parts of the challenge to encourage, while groups of spectators gathered at different points to cheer on the participants.
The journey concluded at St. Michael Hospice, where an emotional welcome from family, friends, supporters and Hospice Malta staff and volunteers awaited them.
The GasanMamo Point 2 Point Challenge – which originated from an idea by three lifelong friends – was more than a test of endurance – it served as a reminder of the far greater challenges faced daily by beneficiaries of Hospice Malta and the Children in Need Foundation.
Daniel Abela, also founder of The Children in Need Foundation, said: “A truly memorable journey and I had the honour to stand close to two dear friends who have taught me a lot in the last few months about humbleness, gratitude and appreciation towards life.
“It has also brought together many others who supported us day in and day out and made this happen. This would have never been possible without their support, and for this I am eternally grateful.
“The Children in Need Foundation, we are blown away by the support of the corporates and community at large, as your generosity will take us a long way to give dignity and a safe place for kids who find themselves without a roof over their heads.”
Reflecting on the journey, Joseph Casha highlighted the spirit of teamwork and gratitude that defined the challenge.
“An example of a great team working together to ensure everyone finished the challenge safely. Special thanks to the volunteers helping us and volunteers from The Children in Need Foundation and Hospice Malta who came to support us during the full day. I am mostly grateful for having gained and learnt more than I have given to the charities and the P2P Challenge.
“It was an example of a great team working together to ensure everyone finishes the challenge safely. Special thanks to the volunteers helping the P2P team and volunteers from both Charities who came to support us during the full day.”
Speaking after the challenge, Douglas Barbaro Sant underlined that the true purpose of P2P was always about support.
“P2P put a big smile on my face because I saw so many happy people around me who moved outside their comfort zones and did so in such an exceptional way,” Barbaro Sant said.
“Joe, Daniel and myself may have been the face of it all, but it was always about the people who built P2P, those who stood behind us, and above all the people who donated. What we achieved on the day is nothing compared to what Hospice Malta and The Children in Need Foundation do quietly, day in and day out, for those who need them most.”
Substantial funds have already been collected thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors and individuals, yet the fundraising campaign is still working towards its target of €163,828.
Donations
Now that the challenge has been completed, the organisers are urging the wider community to play their part – by donating whatever amount they can.
Every contribution brings us closer to reaching this goal, directly supporting Hospice Malta and The Children in Need Foundation in their mission to provide dignity, care, and hope where it is needed most.
Hospice Malta’s Chief Relationship Officer, Alexia Demicoli, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Daniel, Douglas, Joseph, their crew, and all those who supported them throughout this remarkable challenge.
She also acknowledged the vital role of their families, whose backing made such a demanding feat possible, as well as the volunteers, sponsors, corporate partners, and individuals who contributed generously.
“It was an honour for Hospice Malta to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries alongside The Children in Need Foundation, who do incredible work with children in our community.
“The funds raised will go directly towards sustaining our free palliative care services, which are in ever-increasing demand. As our running costs continue to rise, I encourage anyone who has not yet donated to consider doing so,” she said.
The targeted sum will be equally divided between the two organisations.
This will enable Hospice Malta to continue providing free, holistic palliative care to more than 1,560 families each year, while The Children in Need Foundation will strengthen its work supporting vulnerable children through therapy, education, safe spaces, and key projects such as the K.I.D.S. Haven at YMCA.
As the GasanMamo Point 2 Point Challenge came to an end, the organisers expressed their gratitude to all supporters, volunteers, and donors who made this year’s edition possible.
Julian Mamo, Managing Director of GasanMamo, said: “We are truly proud of the outstanding success of the GasanMamo Point 2 Point Challenge.
“This initiative not only brought together determination, teamwork, and community spirit, but it also raised vital funds in support of two worthy causes – Hospice Malta and Children in Need.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all participants, supporters, and organisers whose dedication made this achievement possible. Together, we have shown that sport and solidarity can go hand in hand to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Donations will continue to be accepted for short period of time. Donations can be made through the following link: https://www.childreninneed.org.mt/donate-now
