Award for boy who helps disabled friend

A nine-year-old boy from Cospicua has won the John XXIII award for kindness after spending tireless hours caring for his disabled friend during lunchbreak at school.

David Cassar, who attends St Francis primary school in Cospicua, was nominated for the award by his teacher, Teresa Farrugia, and headmistress Sister Claudia Zammit.

In their recommendation letter to the Peace Laboratory, which organises the award, they said that David was always on the lookout for his 10-year-old friend Matthew, from Ghaxaq.

Matthew has a rare disability which prevents him from speaking clearly, and he has difficulty walking and communicating.

However, this has not stopped David from striking a friendship with Matthew and during lunchbreak he helps him eat and is always crreating some new game.

David will be presented with the award during a ceremony which will soon be held at the Palace in Valletta.