For the fourth time since 2020, an intrepid group sponsored by Diespeker travelled from London to Malta to take part in the Malta Marathon and Half Marathon, raising funds and awareness for our chosen charity, stem4.
While in 2024, the rain bucketed down and participants were soaked to the bone, this time the sun came out for race day, with a perfect temperature for runners and walkers of around 16°C.
This was the 40th anniversary of the Malta Marathon and a record number 1,096 runners participated in the full 42K marathon, following a course that starts in the ancient city of Mdina and takes a steady downhill route to the coastline before ending in Sliema.
For Diespeker MD John Krause it was marathon no. 220. He found his pace and was pleased with his sub-4 hour time of 3:56:26 and his age group placing of 16th.
The other participants supporting stem4 this year took part in the Malta half marathon of 21K, some running and some walking. They included:
- Eivydes Alioskinas, our youngest participant, who ran the course in approximately 1:45:00.
- Yvette Nielsony, 2:06:46, 13th in her age group.
- David Fernando, 3:18:35 chip time, 66th in his age group.
- Nina Assam, 3:18:36 chip time, 108th in her age group.
- Sue Cade, 3:24:32 chip time, 43rd in her age group.
Even more important than the times is the fundraising! The team from our marketing company Terra Ferma Media, whipped up support from friends, family and work associates, raising just under £1700, whilst Yvette Nielsony raised £410 solo – meaning their joint total was over £2100.
The team also took the opportunity for a bit of sightseeing, visiting the island of Gozo on the day before race day, viewing the Citadel in Victoria and the Inland Sea. There is talk next year of arranging a ferry ride to Sicily!
Diespeker has sponsored this particular fundraising event each year for stem4. We’re the longest-standing supporter of the charity, and have given support in numerous ways, including fundraising bike rides, football matches and the provision of auction prizes at stem4’s Winter Ball.
Up next – London!
The next fundraising initiative sees MD John taking part in the London Marathon on April 27th. This is John’s 223rd marathon and he’d love to raise at least £3,222 in recognition of this impressive number of runs. We are suggesting a £223 donation from corporate supporters and £23 from individuals (more welcome, of course!). Please donate here, any contributions will be greatly appreciated: London 2025
stem4
The charity was set up in 2011 after the death of a local teenager who lost her battle with an eating disorder. stem4 promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention.
Much of this is delivered digitally through stem4’s innovative education programme, pioneering mental health apps, clinically-informed website, and mental health conferences. Together, these contribute to helping young people and those around them thrive.
The charity’s award-winning apps include:
- Calm Harm: Helping teenagers manage or resist the urge to self-harm.
- Clear Fear: Supporting children and young people in managing anxiety symptoms.
- Move Mood: Helping teenagers manage low mood and depression.
- Combined Minds: Empowering families and friends to provide mental health support.
- Worth Warrior: Supporting young people with low self-worth, poor body image, and eating disorders.
