It would be fruitless and guileless of me to remotely begin to express my debt of gratitude owed to all the staff at St Vincent de Paul and, in particular, those working in Mother Theresa Ward No. 1.

For over three years they had selflessly, tirelessly and extremely professionally provided a level of unparallelled caring and unrivalled, devoted nursing to my terminally-ill, special needs wife Emmanuela (known as Lily). This unenviable task was performed with love, compassion, kindness and ensuring that the patient’s dignity was respected and protected at all times until, mercifully, their above-and-beyond duty of care was no longer required.

From the bottom of my heart to the tip of my soul I will be eternally obliged to all these truly magnificent professionals for such protection and safekeeping when my wife was in their charge. We should all be grateful and proud that such exceptional people exist for Malta is certainly richer for having such safe and caring hands in our midst.

To say thank you is inadequate but it is all I have left. May their God guide and protect them all.