Young Athlete Opens Up About Hospice Malta Support To care For Late Mother

Mariah Busuttil, a 23-year-old from Żejtun and a former shooter for Malta at the 2023 Small Nations Games, stepped away from sport to care for her mother Joanne after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Joanne sadly passed away last February at the age of 54. Mariah recalls how, from the moment Hospice Malta became aware of their situation, support was immediate and comprehensive.

This included medical equipment, a doctor, nurses, a psychologist, and ongoing emotional support throughout their journey. “They told us they would be there for us, and they truly were,” she said.

Her story reflects the care provided by Hospice Malta, the palliative care organisation that will host its annual 12-hour live fundraising telethon on Saturday, 25 April, from 11:00 to 23:00.

The broadcast will bring together patients, families, healthcare professionals, artists, and the wider community in support of free palliative care services across Malta and Gozo.

Demand for support continues to rise, with nearly 1,000 new patients turning to Hospice Malta last year, averaging three families each day.

In 2025 alone, the organisation delivered 33,000 professional home care sessions and over 4,000 sessions of social and psychosocial support. More than 400 patients also attended its Day Therapy Unit and clinics.

Funds raised will help expand community care, day therapy services, and the new St Michael Hospice headquarters, which includes a 16-room In-Patient Unit offering round-the-clock care, comfort, and dignity.

“More families are reaching out every year,” said Chairperson Bernadette Bonnici Kind. “The telethon helps us continue providing care free of charge.”

The live broadcast will feature real stories and interviews showing the impact of Hospice Malta’s work. “Our role is to be there in a way that is professional, compassionate and truly human,” said CEO Kenneth Delia.

How to support

On 25 April, your call can make a real difference.

● CALL: €25 – 5180 2024 | €50 – 5190 2031

● SMS: €11.65 – 5061 9234

● BOV Mobile / myAPS: 7993 3894

● Online: https://hospicemalta.org/product/telethon-2026-donation/

Every contribution helps ensure that no one in Malta faces these moments alone.

Hospice Malta - Here to Support

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