UPDATED 12.10am: More than €4 million were raised during the marathon charity extravaganza L-Istrina, a record since the first edition 18 years ago.

The whopping figure exceeds the €3.65 million in donations raised during l-Istrina 2014, which had also broken the 2013 donation record of €3.41 million.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at the end of the event.

The record sum raised was exceeded as co-presenter John Bundy announced that €188,000 had been raised during the Paqpaqli Ghal Istrina event last October, which made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when a supercar careened into the crowd, injuring several.

Themed 'Faith, Hope and Charity', the event, hosted by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, was held at the Kottonera Sports Complex and aired live on local TV channels. Parallel events took place in Gozo.

"Whenever I see this wave of generosity it fuels me with energy," the President said at the end of the event, thanking all those involved as the figure was unveiled.

Several personalities, from entertainers to politicians, answered phone calls from the public throughout the day.

Thanking the volunteers as she opened the event, Ms Coleiro Preca hoped this year's L-Istrina will continue building on previous years' records.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat underlined the importance of the MCCF as an institution while Opposition leader Simon Busuttil lauded the theme chosen for this year's event.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna urged the public to give hope to those less fortunate and to continue building on the tradition of love.

Several initiatives were taken in aid of L-Istrina in the months preceding the marathon. The 75 Volvo cars used in two recent summits in Malta were auctioned earlier this month, raising €400,200 towards the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Bank of Valletta donated €150,000 raised through the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign and a significant contribution by the bank itself.

Over €3.65 million in donations were raised during l-Istrina 2014

The cheque was presented by the bank’s new CEO Mario Mallia, together with the members of the bank’s management board. The piggy bank, which is synonymous with this campaign was present in every primary and secondary school around Malta and Gozo since October.

During the Christmas message yesterday, the President underlined the need for society to be generous with the most needy.

Hundreds of items were auctioned during today’s marathon event, including an autographed Harley of Hope.