Local inspiration Jake Vella has unfortunately succumbed to his health condition, passing away earlier today at 15 years old.
Jake was diagnosed with one of the most rare conditions in the world called ROHHAD-NET which causes issues with respiratory control and autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, with endocrine system abnormalities.
Despite his debilitating illness, Jake never failed to impress the nation with his continuous fitness milestones, charity work and inspiring attitude that captured the hearts of thousands.
These are just a couple of Jake’s incredible moments to remember him by:
1. When he broke the national record for being the youngest person to swim 100 kilometres in a pool
When Jake was just 12 years and four months old, he became the youngest person to swim 100 kilometres in a pool. He did so in a period of 20 days between June and July of 2021 and completed the swim in a total of 33 hours, 15 minutes, and 39 seconds.
He did this to raise funds for abandoned animals as well as awareness about plastic pollution.
2. His annual dog walks
As a young animal lover, Jake would organise an annual dog walk around Mater Dei Hospital in aid of the Association for Abandoned Animals (AAA) around Christmas time. Even when he was admitted in hospital himself, his dog walks would still go on.
3. When he embarked on a 1.7 kilometre swim in aid of abandoned animals
Back in 2019, Jake and Maltese ultra-athlete Fabio Spiteri swam 1.7 kilometres in aid of the AAA. They collected donations that went toward buying medicine and food for the animals.
4. His dedication to his studies
Jake began Year 10 of school in his hospital bed, doing online lessons to keep up-to-date with the academic material.
5. Winning multiple awards for being an inspiration
Back in 2019, Jake won the Most Inspirational Person award at the Lovin Malta Social Media Awards where he was voted by the public as such. Similarly, three years later, he won Bulletproof’s award of Most Inspirational Individual of that year – a well-deserved title that remains true.
Just 12 weeks ago, Jake was given a token and a medal by the Birżebbuġa ASC for the 24-hour swim record that was done in aid of Puttinu Cares and for Tiago’s Journey.
Meanwhile, in 2018, Jake was recognised for his determination and dedication by Birżebbuġa Local Council and Minister Owen Bonnici on the locality’s jum tar-raħal.
6. When he met his heroes: The Brownlee Brothers
Back in 2018, when he was just nine years old and some two years after his story had ended up touching millions of people all around the world, Jake had his dream come true – meeting viral English athlete-brothers, Jonny and Alistair Brownlee who came to Malta for a triathlon.
7. When he was gifted an Olympics soft toy from Neil Agius
Maltese olympian Neil Agius is a big admirer of Jake, frequently posting about the incredible feats he often reaches and describing as a “legend”. So in 2022, he gifted the young athlete a soft toy that he received when competing in the 2004 Olympic Games.
That wasn’t the only thing Neil gifted Jake, having also given him the swimming cap he used during his iconic Sicily-Malta swim. Similarly, pro-cyclist Valerio Agnioli visited Jake in hospital and had him hold the prestigious Giro D’Italia trophy, which was won by two-timer Ivan Basso in 2010.
These gestures perfectly displayed the respect Jake earned from all of Malta.
8. When he was gifted Pope Francis’ hat
The Ambassador of Malta to the Holy See had gifted Jake the hat of Pope Francis back in 2022.
9. Learning how to play guitar while in hospital
Jake got the awesome opportunity to learn how to play guitar from two of Malta’s most popular guitarists, and he did so while in hospital.
Jake will always be remembered as one of the country’s most loved and inspirational heroes – the impact he has made is beyond words and will remain etched in the fibres of the nation.
Lovin Malta extends its deepest condolences to Jake’s family and loved ones
