David GauciDavid Gauci will embark on an extraordinary 1,000-kilometre solo cycling challenge around Sicily this September, dedicating his gruelling four-day endurance ride to Hospice Malta in memory of his father who died from cancer.
The ambitious undertaking represents both a personal tribute and a fundraising mission to support the voluntary organisation that provided crucial care during his father’s final months.
“My father passed away from cancer, and during the most difficult months of his illness, Hospice Malta were there for me, and for all of us as a family,” Gauci said, adding that “the care, the support, the dignity they offered was beyond what we could have hoped for. They made sure he was never alone in his pain, and they helped us find strength in our grief.”
Gauci, a past pupil of Don Bosco (Savio College), is undertaking the challenge in the name of Friends of Don Bosco, an organisation of former students and associates committed to Christian values and community service.
This latest challenge builds on Gauci’s impressive track record in long-distance cycling. He has previously completed the Camino solo route covering 1,000 kilometres in eight days, another solo ride around Sicily in five days, and an 11,000-kilometre group ride with NGO Alive completed in six days.
However, this upcoming ride carries deeper significance than his previous achievements. “This challenge is different. It’s not just about kilometres or records, it’s about giving back. It’s about turning personal pain into purpose,” he said.
Hospice Malta provides free-of-charge palliative care services across the Maltese Islands for patients with life-limiting conditions including cancer, motor neuron disease, and end-stage respiratory, cardiac, renal and liver diseases. The organisation operates entirely on donations and community generosity.
Their comprehensive services include home care with multidisciplinary medical teams, a day therapy unit offering various treatments including hydrotherapy, bereavement support for families, and the new St Michael Hospice in-patient facility in Santa Venera.
The organisation’s holistic approach ensures patients receive medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support whilst maintaining their dignity throughout their illness.
Gauci is appealing to individuals, businesses and the wider community to support his initiative through sponsorship or donations. All funds raised will go directly to Hospice Malta to help continue their work with Maltese and Gozitan families.
“This challenge is for every family who has needed Hospice Malta, for every patient who felt seen and cared for, and for the tireless team who make it possible,” Gauci said. “With your help, I want to give back, and help ensure others can receive the same support we were blessed with.”
You can donate here.
