Lydia Abela nominates Jake Vella for Gieh ir-Repubblika award

The Prime Minister's wife Lydia Abela has nominated Jake Vella for the Gieh ir-Repubblika Award for the positive impact he left on Maltese society with his courage and energy.

A Department of Information statement said Abela had spoken to Jake's parents Marouska and Josie before making the announcement in their residence in Birzebbuga.

Vella, who for years battled a rare condition, died last month. The 15-year-old had a rare condition called ROHHAD; Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation.

Abela said that Jake was an altruistic person who, in spite of the challenges he faced, did all he could to make others smile, transmitted love and brought people together.