I want to join Martin Scicluna in his praise for Edward Xuereb (Appreciation, December 27). Edward was a lovely person, and it was a great pleasure to have been his next-door neighbour for the last seven years. He was rarely out of pain, but struggled on bravely, and always had time for a smile and a chat.

Astrid was his loving, ever-thoughtful and attentive companion. She is as much to be admired as Edward. It has been an honour and inspiration to have them as friends.

Scicluna will forgive me for pointing out a slip in his text, though only a minor one, when referring to St Edward’s as Malta’s leading school. Of course, everyone knows that that distinction belongs to St Aloysius’ College.