Bjorn Formosa, the founder of charity organisation ALS Foundation, was yesterday presented with the Commonwealth Points of Light award.

[attach id=688867 size="medium" align="right"]British High Commissioner Stuart Gill presents Bjorn Formosa with his award. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli[/attach]

Mr Formosa was honoured for his “extraordinary and inspiring work” in creating Dar Bjorn, a home for those who have neurodegenerative diseases.

People suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis were getting comfort and longer lives thanks to him, British High Commissioner Stuart Gill said. “Mr Formosa is truly inspiring and fully deserving of recognition of Her Majesty,” he added.

Mr Formosa made national headlines when he donated €100,000 on live television to fund research into the degenerative disease that afflicts him. He also worked tirelessly to raise money to build Dar Bjorn. Once a school building, the Qormi centre has been turned into a bright, well-equipped care home. A growing demand for patients led Mr Formosa to raise money for a second home in Żebbuġ.

Mr Formosa said the recognition gave him and his wife the strength and motivation to work towards building a newer Dar Bjorn. “Next year will be fundamental to reach this dream and, hopefully, we’ll be able to help those people on the waiting list and who need our help,” he said.

Mr Formosa is truly inspiring and fully deserving of recognition of Her Majesty

There had never been anything like this in Malta, Mr Formosa remarked.

ALS is a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As the disease progresses, the body’s motor neurones stop sending signals to the muscles until the muscles start to die, eventually leading to paralysis. There is no known cure.

The disease’s paralysing effect means homes for ALS patients must be specially equipped to allow residents to control every aspect of daily life using just their eyes. Anything from lifts, doors, computers and television must be adapted.