Andre DeBattista writes:

Matteo once wrote; “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away!”

Despite his physical disability and the brevity of his life, he certainly made sure what he wrote was true.

Matteo never let his disability get the better of him. He treated it as a minor inconvenience and pursued life with the zest and energy very few able-bodiedpeople have.

At the age of 13, he won a competition which took him to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

At 16, three months after undergoing major surgery, he successfully sat for his O-Level exams.

He began reading Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Malta with the aim of entering a profession that could improve other people’s lives.

For 20 years he was my loving brother and my personal inspiration. To others, he was a precious son, a loyal and inspiring friend, a dedicated student or simply a Valletta FC and Chelsea supporter.

Matteo was supportive and caring and was always there to listen and give short, but very valid advice.

He was always very interested in current affairs and would spend hours discussing what was happening in the world.

During debates, he was respectful, yet very determined to get his point of view across.

His sense of humour would have every one of us in stitches. His contagious smile and his good humour never left him and this never failed to inspire all those around him.

He leaves behind a huge void and an unbearable pain. We who are left to mourn can only console ourselves in the fact that there is no death, no pain, no darkness, and no tears in the world where the righteous dwell with God.

Matteo – we all miss you and we all love you so much.

Until we meet again, watch over us.