Malta’s former first lady, Mary Fenech Adami, was fighting for her life last night after being taken ill at the wedding reception of the Prime Minister’s son at Girgenti Palace.

Mrs Fenech Adami, 77, collapsed after suffering a heart attack. The Prime Minister’s brother, Michael Gonzi, who is a general practitioner, applied CPR while cardiac surgeon Alex Manche was also in attendance.

She was taken by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital, accompanied by her husband, former President and Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, and Dr Gonzi.

Mrs Fenech Adami was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. A medical bulletin late last night from the hospital said her prognosis was “guarded”.

A former chairman of the Malta Community Chest Fund, Ms Fenech Adami is a much-loved figure.

Mary Fenech Adami

Throughout her life she has been a devout Catholic and a people person who has dedicated a great deal of time to caring for others while at the same time enduring difficult times during her husband’s long political career.

She had told The Sunday Times in an interview in 2007: “I’ve lived my life around people and know the trials and tribulations that life holds and I’ve always tried to help others...

“I am very patient, and always ask God to give me more patience. I enjoy helping people. You forget about yourself and focus on helping someone else.”

Mrs Fenech Adami has been receiving treatment for cancer after being diagnosed with the condition a year ago and undergoing surgery.